This study identifies barriers that prevent women in prostitution from availing of health services. It examines the experiences of women in prostitution and in addition explores the attitudes and policies of agencies providing these services. A biographical narrative approach in conjunction with a tailored voice- centered relational model of analyses was used. A total of 15 women actively involved in prostitution in the west of Ireland partook in in-depth interviews. They discussed; how they are received by practitioners? Are their needs being met holistically? What are the gaps in the health system? The women conveyed these experiences through life stories and accounts which gave a broader understanding of their psychosocial experiences.
This qualitative study addresses the experiences of the women themselves in prostitution as users of the Irish health services, and considers implications for and to inform the development of a holistic, multidisciplinary healthcare service for women engaged in prostitution. The findings suggest a reevaluation of policies and laws directing relating to prostitution and the sex industry and indeed gender issues which impact on a patriarchal, biomedical practice approach to healthcare in Ireland.