A government advert called "I'm happy being a prostitute" has been dropped by the Brazilian government.
The online campaign was aimed at reducing prejudice against sex workers and educating people about sexually transmitted diseases.
However health minister Alexandre Padilha has stepped in to remove the ad, saying: "I do not think this is a message the ministry should be sending. Our campaigns orient people how to avoid sexual transmitted diseases.
He said that the advert was published by mistake on the website and added "For as long as I remain in office, an ad like that will not be part of our campaigns," he told Agencia Estado.
The happy prostitute ad was criticised by campaigners
However a safe sex campaign will go ahead with the tagline "Not ashamed of using a condom."
Earlier this year it was reported that Brazilian prostitutes are signing up for free English classes in preparation for the World Cup.
The enterprising call girls are hoping the lessons will help them communicate better with the expected influx of foreign clients.
Cida Vieira, president of the Association of Prostitutes in the city of Belo Horizonte, said 20 had already signed up for courses, and a further 300 of the group's 4,000 members are expected to do the same.
Vieira said: "It will be important for the girls who will be able to use English to let their clients know what they are charging and learn about what turns them on."