The Progressive Era War on Vice: Public Health Consequences of Closing Red-Light Districts

In the late 1800s, city leaders in the United States established red-light districts to contain prostitution. Progressive Era reformers argued these districts harmed public health, prompting their closure in the 1910s. This paper analyzes how closing the red-light districts affected neighborhood composition and public health. I find infant mortality from premature births and congenital defects increased after closure, which is consistent with an increase in congenital syphilis. There was also no increase in homicide deaths, suggesting the districts did not increase crime. These findings suggest the public health concerns raised by reformers were likely overstated.