Posted on 09/09/2023 3:55:33 AM PDT by where's_the_Outrage?
In recent times, a noteworthy discussion has emerged across various states regarding the implementation of a new law related to paternity DNA testing before a man signs the birth certificate. The central question being asked is whether paternity testing should be mandatory before the birth certificate is signed, immediately upon the birth of a child. This contentious issue has sparked debates about rights, responsibilities, and fairness. In this blog post, we will delve into the arguments for and against this new law, exploring the implications it might have on individuals and families.
The Case for Mandatory Paternity Testing
Advocates of mandatory paternity DNA testing argue that this measure is a necessary step towards ensuring fairness, transparency, and equality for all parties involved. Here are some key points in favor of this perspective:
Equity and Equal Rights: The call for mandatory paternity testing emphasizes the importance of equality between parents. Just as mothers are identified upon birth, fathers should be too. This approach aligns with the principle of equal rights and treatment.
Eliminating Future Disputes: Mandatory testing can preemptively address potential disputes about paternity. By establishing biological parentage at the outset, the likelihood of future conflicts is significantly reduced, saving both emotional distress and legal expenses.
Financial and Emotional Savings: By avoiding situations where men unknowingly provide financial support for children who are not biologically theirs, families can be spared significant financial and emotional turmoil.
Timely Resolution: Immediate testing upon birth provides a clear path for legal proceedings, if necessary, allowing for a swift resolution of custody and support matters.
Comprehensive Information: Having accurate paternity information on record from the very beginning could positively impact the child's medical history, inheritance rights, and familial relationships.
Counterarguments Against Mandatory Testing
Opponents of mandatory paternity DNA testing offer differing perspectives that warrant consideration:
Privacy Concerns: Mandatory testing may infringe upon the privacy of families. Some argue that paternity matters should remain a private affair, decided upon mutual agreement rather than mandated by law.
Potential for Stigmatization: For some families, mandatory testing might inadvertently create a stigma around paternity issues, raising unnecessary doubts and causing discomfort.
Overreach of Government: Critics of mandatory testing contend that such legislation could be seen as an overreach of government power into personal matters, potentially setting a precedent for increased interference in individual lives.
Cost and Logistics: Implementing mandatory testing could come with financial and logistical challenges. Questions arise about who would bear the cost of testing and how it would be administered efficiently.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance
The debate on mandatory paternity DNA testing before signing a birth certificate reflects the complex interplay between rights, responsibilities, and personal autonomy. Proponents argue that it promotes transparency and equity, while opponents emphasize the importance of privacy and individual choice. Striking a balance between these perspectives will likely require careful consideration of legal, ethical, and practical implications.
As this debate continues to unfold, it is evident that conversations about paternity testing are evolving in response to societal changes and advancements in technology. Whether mandatory testing becomes a widespread practice or not, the ultimate goal remains clear: ensuring the best possible outcomes for families and children in a rapidly changing world.
But two additional points should be made:
1. Mandatory DNA testing would help return morality as women would know they most likely could not get away with infidelity.
2. It is massive injustice when a man finds out he is not the father but the courts require him to continue child support for the good of the child.
- the man that cares and provides for the child is the father
-don’t put yourself in the position of being the object of fraud
-our society has been set up not by preventing crimes but by adjudicating after the crimes. Assumed innocent before proven guilty! We nor our society is God but our society is pushing towards trying to be God
On balance, paternal DNA testing should be mandatory and at no cost unless opted out by both parents in writing when the birth certificate is signed. That gives a clear decision point. It would also undo the traditional near-absolute legal presumption that a child born in wedlock is legitimate when the husband had access at the time of conception.
The Povich law.
” unless opted out by both parents in writing when the birth certificate is signed.”
I can hear the women now “You’ll ruin our marriage by not trusting me if you get that DNA test.” Too many men would be browbeat into submission with that option.
Make it mandatory to preclude this, it will save court time.
The only people who still oppose Mandatory DNA testing are those who hate putting the best interests of the child first. There’s no excuse for their ignorance. If there’s any controversy over a child’s parenthood then get that solved ASAP and keep in mind that it’ll only make things worse in the long run to postpone the controversy.
What government agency holds the test results?
You know...because the government is so trustworthy and stuff.
It’s better for those of us who have no doubts that we’re the daddy to take one for the team for the sake of the little ones who get deceived from Day One on who their daddy is. It should be illegal for a Birth Certificate to be finalized unless the Paternity DNA test has been done. Keep the status PENDING until its done. That way all the pre-test drama can be completely eliminated.
Also, if a woman knowingly deceives a man about being a child’s birth father, she should be made to reimburse the wrongfully accused man.
From down in the hood comes the old axiom...
“Mommas baby,Daddies maybe.”
Big Brother wants the results “just for his file”.
If the man is not the biological father, then he should have no obligation of support, and have grounds to dissolve the marriage with the wife getting no alimony either.
Big Brother wants the results “just for his file”.
I cannot emphasize enough how wrong this is. The only way I can explain it to women....some of whom seem to think its for the best even if its unfair to the guy.....would be a court requiring a woman to marry her rapist.
(audible gasps).
Yes.
Its that bad.
A more egregious and outrageous violation of a person than forcing the responsibility of fatherhood on a guy who just found out that what he thought was "his" child is really a product of his wife's cheating I cannot imagine. No way should any such judgement stand. You have to immediately question not only the legality but the utter lack of a moral compass of any judge who would ever issue such an unjust ruling.
But I don't think testing should be mandatory. The government should stay out of people's personal lives. I think mandatory testing an ill thought out response to the gross injustice of courts further victimizing the poor schlub who has just found out he has been betrayed in the worst way.
More like, trying to be Satan...
If a man wants a paternity test he should not hide behind the Government or have the privacy of other families invaded to get the information he wants without having to go on record as asking.
That is abuse and the very suggestion of having the Government entitled to this data is jaw droopingly irresponsible & indefensible.
What a disgrace. If there is a family issue that needs to be adjudicated, testing can be required by the court on a case by case basis.
Beware of any requirement done for “equity.”
The stories I could tell.
Most men don’t know even close to the half of it about women and the quiet actions they push onto the passing backdoor man drifter.
Women have conventional affairs of course, but they also do things that are so personal and secret that I don’t think even they consciously count them on their scorecard, they just lie in some remote, romantic, lock-box of their mind and heart like a treasured hidden locket that never sees public wear.
Paternity testing? How do they know what a male figure is? Are they biologists?
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