Regulation system

The regulatory system or regulation system was an English language term for a specific type of control system for prostitution that was used in a number of European nations between the early 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, as well as in some countries outside of Europe. It has been referred to by several different names, such as regulationism, licensed prostitution and public prostitutiton.

The purpose of the system was to take control of prostitution and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infection by the forced registration of prostitute women, who were allowed to sell sex in exchange for regular compulsory medical examinations for sexual diseases.

During the course of the 19th century, the system was introduced in a many parts of the Western world, such as France, the British Empire, the Russian Empire and the German Empire, but also in the Ottoman Empire. The system originated the First French Empire of Emperor Napoleon I, who introduced it in France and the countries occupied by France in the early 19th century. It was viewed as a role model for how to address prostitution, and introduced in many other countries during the course of the 19th century - either on national level, or in a more limited form by local city laws.

From the second half of the 19th century, the system attracted opposition from the women's movement and other activists. The system was targeted by national abolitionists organizations that collaborated in an international campaign, which was often coordinated with the campaign against the white slave trade (sex trafficking). The system was finally abolished during the first half of the 20th century.