Proving paternity is vital for the rights of the real biological dad, the child, and for establishing relationships and responsibilities based on truth – from the beginning.

A newborn baby does not ask for a blood test. But knowledge of the baby’s blood type, possibility of sickle cell, and propensity towards PKU (phenylketonuria) is essential for the child’s health. So a blood sample is drawn, even though the infant’s voice is loud and clear that a pin prick is unwanted.

Paternity Proof Matters for Dad and Child

Fathers contribute half of each child’s genetic makeup. Not only are physical characteristics determined by genes, but there are more than 4,000 diseases that are caused by genetic variants. The voice of science speaks of the importance of DNA.

Hospitals require infants and their mothers to wear bracelets for identification. A mother would certainly raise her voice if another woman’s child was placed in her arms. Fathers are also asked to wear identification – but for security purposes. There needs to be a voice for men to ensure the infant they hold is actually their child.

If women are the traditional nurturers of the offspring of a family, men are the traditional protectors and providers. The voice of logic dictates that knowledge of the baby’s father is essential for the well-being of the child.

There are millions of men worldwide who are affected annually by paternity fraud. Hooper & Mill, family lawyers in Queensland, report that the rate of misattributed paternity in contested cases is about 20% in Australia. Men who are victims of paternal discrepancy are often ridiculed as if their situation were somehow their fault. But for those concerned, their voices scream with outrage.

Preventing Paternity Fraud

Although paternity fraud is a crime, perpetrators are rarely punished. Because there is hardly ever a penalty, such fraud must be prevented. Technology permits paternity testing at a fraction of the cost of maternity care. Preventative measures, not punitive, are called for. We must listen to the voice of justice – and then act on it.

DNA testing has nothing to do with a woman’s reproductive rights and everything to do with a man’s reproductive rights. It would protect the rights of men who are not biologically bound to a child and ensure the rights of the legitimate father. The voice of equality calls for this wisdom.

The government should order a compulsory assessment of paternity at every delivery. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, 36% of births occur outside marriage. The joy and excitement of a child’s birth often cloud any doubts of a prospective father. But the voice of honesty must be heard.

Some men can continue in a parental role with a child when they find there is no biological connection. These men are to be celebrated. But we must not disparage the cuckolded man or hold him responsible when he is faced with his partner’s betrayal. Such is the voice of compassion.

Often, too, the child of a disloyal mother will alienate any affection towards a father figure. The child’s anger at the mother must be suppressed; otherwise, another parent will be lost. Such tragic scenarios can be avoided if a genetic determination was required at birth. The voice of mercy whispers for such a statute.

We should enact legislation to ensure paternity testing for all newborns. The voice of reason demands it!

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Image by Pixabay.