Michelle Pfeiffer as Léa de Lonval and Kathy Bates as Madame Peloux in a scene from 'Cheri'

The duo portrays 1920s French courtesans in director Stephen Frears' new film Cheri, and the risque subject matter has prompted them both to question why the 'world's oldest profession' has been banned throughout most of their native America.

Pfeiffer says, "There is an argument to be made for providing some protection for prostitutes. It would solve a lot of problems for them. They're going to do it anyway."

Her co-star Bates agrees: "For health reasons, it would be better for people to enjoy those pleasures."

Source: WENN