"This is a touchy topic to deal with," says local entertainer Queen Ifrica. "I do accept the fact that it is a personal choice, but outside of that, and based on what it entails abortion is wrong," the singer said.

She told The STAR that while there might be circumstances where some would argue that the act is justified, it is still the cancellation of a life. "It therefore cannot be a good move to legalise abortion in Jamaica," she said. "This move will make it too much of easy access, which would only encourage 'mistakes'; be it consciously or subconsciously."

Not the solution

"Yes over-population is an issue in Jamaica, but legalising abortion is no justification for this social issue, it is not the solution, it is a way for the Government to brush a big problem under the carpet without really thinking of the consequences," she said.

MC Nuffy agrees that legalising abortion is not the best way forward. He told The STAR that projected financial difficulties in bringing up their children is not enough reason for women to resort to abortion, using contraceptive as a preventative method and that it is education that should be encouraged.

In support of his argument, Queen Ifrica says, "The education that is needed should be led by a scare strategy, females need to be educated about the real implications on their bodies when they accept abortion as an option. Precaution should be the key focus, not stopping a process that we understand nothing about, a shock exhibition is needed, especially for the youth in our schools.

"As artistes we need to extend more consideration in our lyrics because ignorance of an individual's circumstance should not be celebrated. It is irresponsible for us to exploit in lyrics what some people have gone through, often said in the wrong context. This can be like mixing poison with medicine," said Ifrica.

No authority

Elephant Man, who has in the past vocalised lyrics against abortion, told The STAR, "Dem thing deh must never become legal in Jamaica; life was given to us by the almighty and we do not have the authority to take that away.

"We don't even know whose life we are taking, it could be the next prime minister," he said. Taking responsibility for his own lyrics, Ele said everyone will speak their minds in different ways.

"I said 'gyal from yuh never kill nuh pickney from yuh born yet' others will maybe say it with more tact," Ele said. But even in the case of pregnancy as a result of rape, he is still adamant that he would say no to abortion, "The seed is always innocent," he told The STAR.