I don't consider prostitution selling one's body, rather than renting it. It's just semantics, but that's how I feel.

I don't think legalizing it will make it easier for those who would prostitute children or others in general; regulation can make it safer, because we're not going to get rid of it. Too much demand. Sadly, many men don't understand women selling sex aren't always doing it as a matter of choice, and some don't care. They see a woman and want her, spend some money and get what they want.

On a side note, there are some jerks who ask prostitutes for "free samples," like a woman is ice cream or something. I know there are male prostitutes, too, and I don't mean to leave them out, but I'm speaking in generalities for the moment.