End Demand in Sweden, Norway, & Iceland

The End Demand model, also called the Nordic model, claims to protect sex workers by criminalizing clients. The evidence is in; this model doesn’t keep sex workers safe. In fact, it makes things worse. Kaytlin Bailey sits down with sex workers who have worked under this policy for decades in Sweden, Norway and Iceland and breaks down how this policy, first implemented in Sweden in 1999, was exported globally under a false banner of feminism. In this episode you will hear how End Demand laws perpetuate stigma, encourage police harassment, and make it harder for sex workers to screen clients, negotiate boundaries, and seek help. Decriminalization isn’t just kinder—it’s more effective. 

Thank you to Kira from Red Umbrella Sweden, Leo from Sweden, Astrid and Lilith from PION, Iselin from Norway and Logn and Mia from Red Umbrella Iceland for meeting with me and contributing to this episode. You can follow Kira on Facebook and Twitter/X, Leo on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter/X, Iselin on Instagram, and Logn on Instagram.

Check out our upcoming conference in Reykjavik happening on November 1, 2025, Sex Worker Stories and Public Policy, where you can hear directly from many of the people featured in this episode.

The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. 

If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros.

We’d like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.