How did that conversation took place where you niece finds out that you can actually make this happen..  LOL

Great question. She always asks me for advice when she does her HW, so when this topic came up, I casually mentioned that I know an activist who advocates for women's and sex workers' rights, and perhaps he could help. So hopefully, "he" comes through!

She IS doing an article on decriminalization of prostitution (not drugs, not murder, not point shaving in college sports, ...), right?  
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I'm not a Provider so I'm going to suggest starting on the SAFE public side of things: Have her check out groups like COYOTE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COYOTE
Many of their officers and outspoken members are Providers.
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http://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/making-it-work-prostitutes-rights-movement-perspective
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http://whyy.org/articles/prostitution-decriminalized-rhode-islands-experiment/
Prostitution decriminalized: Rhode Island’s experiment
"... Around the world, there’s a growing movement to decriminalize sex work. Last year, ****Amnesty International,**** the largest human rights group in the world, came out with a recommendation that governments should decriminalize consensual sex work and develop laws that ensure workers are “protected from harm, exploitation and coercion.” A ****United Nations commission**** has also come out in support of legalizing prostitution. ..."
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And many other such groups:
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http://upriseri.com/2019-02-03-sex-work/
Prostitution advocacy group launches national campaign to decriminalize sex work.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sex_worker_organizations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sex_worker_organizations#United_States
List of sex worker organizations.

There was an episode on Forensic Files several years back.  It started in similar fashion….a young psychology intern wanted to research escort services and providers to get an understanding….next thing that happened…you probably know….she became a provider….unfortunately it did not end well for her!