Ultimately this has lead to their view that sex is devoid of intimacy and revolves around the exchange or trading of a good or service for material benefit.

A woman who has lost her virginity, like a woman who begins menstruating, is stepping further along the circle of life and a journey which brings her closer to the experience of womanhood.

The loss of virginity is an emotional experience signaling a new life phase with the opportunity for a deeper relationship and connection with another human being.

By making virginity into a business transaction, there is a loss of the connection and growth offered through this experience.

Dr Meredith Jones of the University of Technology Sydney, stated that there was no way of escaping the fact that this was 'a form of prostitution, It's selling a woman's body part.'

When did society go so far down the path of materialism that we have had to make human beings a commodity which can be paid for?

The Daily Telegraph published an article earlier on the 9^th of November titled 'Sydney escort agency selling 19-year-old virgin'.

The article discussed a Sydney brothel being investigated for offering to sell the virginity of a Chinese student for $15,000.

Chris Seage from Brothel busters was quoted as saying that 'There is a sadly recurring theme among young Asian girls who come to Australia to study and work, and get themselves into debt. It is clear she is doing this because she needs the money urgently.'

Mr Seage went on to state there were no mechanisms to protect girls in this predicament or stop escort service from profiteering from virginity.

In reference to this case, Caroline Norma, a lecturer at RMIT University was quoted as saying 'Australia has a lot to say about human rights violations in China, but while we've got one of their nationals up for sexual sale, are we in any position to take the moral high ground?'

There is nothing empowering about a woman selling her virginity and there is a sadistic element to a man who is willing to pay someone for their virginity.

This shows a disturbing thought process of wanting to commoditise and conquer a body part, much like a spoilt child who wants to be the first to have a new toy.

Both the cases discussed are a sad indictment on our society; allowing transactions in virginity should be viewed in similar terms to selling organs, or even slavery.