The always touchy topic of abortion resurfaced recently with members of the clergy defiant that no law should be passed to accommodate the act. 'Flair' gathered a few men to hear their views.

The comments were varied, from those pro-life to those looking for a compromise. But for the pro-lifers, the issue was more how long one should wait before it is considered wrong.

"Going on the premise that Jamaica is a Christian state, I would be willing to say that across the board, I wouldn't legalise it, lest after a certain number of weeks, you really are killing a person (the foetus)," said Jerome.

But who determines when human life actually begins? For Max, the minute the egg is fertilised, there is life. "If bacteria is considered to be alive, then why after the sperm reach, is not a living thing? It is alive! It small, you need microscope fi see it, but it alive!

Even those men against abortion agreed it is the woman's right, and hers alone, to choose. After all, the foetus is growing inside HER body. For those seeking a middle ground - abortion under certain circumstances, - they feel there shouldn't be any debate in some cases.

Barbaric

"I think it is far more barbaric to force victims of incest and rape, for instance, to carry those babies to term," says Andrew.

"Those who talk about they must carry the baby to term, dem a go help the women pay fi it?" Ronaldchimed in with similar sentiments. "If the girl did get rape, dat different. But, don't come to me wid dis ting bout 'Mi neva ready fi a baby', or 'Mi and mi boyfriend neva plan fi one.' Use boots den! Dat deh excuse no mek it!"

But what if there was a case where the wife committed adultery and got pregnant? Would even the most adamant pro-life man ask his wife to abort to avoid bringing home a jacket? "She can keep it if she wants, 'cause she not coming back to me with it. I'm not going to try and work anything out. Him (the baby) not coming into my yard!

*Names changed on request.