Abstract

Why are some behaviors as different from each other as prostitution, surrogacy and the wearing of the Islamic veil considered by a large part of the public opinion harmful to the point of being worthy of penal prohibitions? In this article I offer an answer to this question. I also analyze whether criminal law is the most adequate tool for the protection of victims'rights and the autonomy of the women involved. Finally, I discuss whether criminal law can actually discourage the adoption of these behaviors.