It appears that many Jamaican men, even where they are infertile, are not yet ready to accept surrogate fatherhood as an option.

Surrogate fatherhood is a relatively new concept, whereby an infertile man allows his spouse to be impregnated by another man's sperm, usually by artificial insemination. But in Jamaica, where the 'jacket' is already a source of ridicule, The Gleaner asked some Jamaican men if they would make such a decision should they discover that they are infertile. For the most part, they will have none of it.

Roderick (27) - I would rather take up a woman with a child and call that child my own, than get a surrogate father, and allow a next man to impregnate my wife or girlfriend. Also, there is adoption and to me that is the best route.

Richie (41) - I think it is much better to have a child than none at all. Since half of the child will be my wife's I would have no problem in getting a surrogate father. Of course, that depends a little bit on how the sperm gets into my wife.

Jerry (21) - No. I would not get a surrogate father if I became infertile. I would not do this because I would not want my wife to be impregnated by another man whom I know or do not know. I would much rather to adopt. This way my wife is untouched by another man's sperm.

Not a full man

Galvan (21) - No. Because I would not be comfortable knowing that my wife is bearing a child, not with my sperm. I would not be pleased. So, the social and interpersonal relationship will be totally different. I would feel small and that I am not a full man, maybe she would not have that much respect for me, because of my infertility.

Benjy (32) - If I had such a burning desire to be a father and to help my wife, then I would have no problem asking someone else to donate the sperm.

Peter (30) - I wouldn't mind getting a surrogate father. It's quite a novel idea. On the other hand, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I allowed another man to sleep with my wife. I'd prefer us adopting children any day when I think about it, it would be hard for my wife who maybe wants a biological child. Still, a sperm bank is a better option than if I knew the donor.

Daniel (22) - I imagine that I would be somewhat reluctant. However, sound reasoning would prevail. After all, love exceeds and supersedes all limiting boundaries. There should be no question about rearing a 'jacket'. It's simply about one's ability to love, even if not by a genetic bond.

- P.W.