In this paper we analyze the role that men play in the decision to terminate a pregnancy. We describe and analyze different forms of male participation in this process, from the narratives of Colombian men and women interviewed for the HEXCA HEXCA research project, on Heterosexualities, Contraception and Abortion in four South American cities, in Bogotá. We address differences of gender, class, generation and life stages. This experience-its acceptance and signification-represents an ethical dilemma for the people involved. This dilemma must be understood in the context of a patriarchal system which prevents pregnant women from making an autonomous decision, allowing other actors to intervene, legislate, regulate and decide on the issue.
abortion; Bogotá; contraceptive decisions; masculinities; social differences