EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
The Right To Know: Mandatory Paternity Testing after Birth
Written by: Samantha Tolosa
Cartoon by: Briane Delo
In family dynamics, parentage is a fundamental aspect that influences different facets of family life. In some instances, however, challenges and doubts arise that may require the need for concrete, scientific-based evidence that can prove this. Maternal parentage is not difficult to figure out. Excluding cases of surrogacy, pregnancy serves as concrete physical evidence of the biological relationship between a mother and child. Paternal parentage, on the other hand, is more challenging to determine.
In reality, there are situations wherein a woman declares a man as her child’s biological father in legal documentation, despite being aware that he is otherwise. This can be seen on television shows such as Maury, with the famous “You Are (or Are Not) the Father” line. While the show provides entertainment to the general public, it cannot be denied that paternity fraud is a serious issue. Unfortunately, this is not considered a punishable crime and is prevalent around the world. In fact, in a study conducted by the International Journal of Epidemiology and Health, it has been shown that one out of every twenty-five men, worldwide, raises another man’s child without knowing it.
To establish an individual’s genetic father, paternity testing can be conducted. With advancements in biotechnology, modern paternity tests attempt to establish parentage by comparing the genetic material of the child to that of potential biological fathers. While this kind of technology provides concrete, scientific-based evidence of parentage, the question of whether this should be mandatory at a child’s birth or not remains a pressing issue with varying opinions.
Establishing paternity can indeed provide many benefits. Among the strongest arguments for mandatory paternity testing is the fact that it helps ensure an accurate medical record for the child. Knowing the biological father can help determine the possible disease risks that the child may inherit, early on in life. This information is essential for preventive or early interventions, with the goal of providing the child a healthy, quality life. Additionally, mandatory paternity testing gives the child an opportunity to form a connection with his/her biological father, which helps shape one’s identity. Determining paternity also promotes the safeguarding of children’s rights in terms of financial support, social security, and other benefits involved
Through mandatory paternity testing, the legal rights of the children can be secured with the ultimate goal of protecting their welfare. With paternity fraud being prevalent, mandatory paternity testing can also help counter the aforementioned issue, preventing situations wherein individuals may be misled or taken advantage of.
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While paternity testing holds promising potential, however, this also poses various ethical and social concerns. It is argued that mandatory paternity testing can put a strain on family relationships. Making this test mandatory can affect the emotional well-being and dynamics of the family, especially in cases where it is used to obtain financial support and/or to escape responsibilities.
Implementing mandatory paternity testing also adds an additional burden to families. In the Philippines, DNA paternity testing starts at Php 14, 800.00 for one alleged father and child. The majority of the Filipino people already lack access to basic health care and mandating this test would therefore become an additional cost that may heavily burden and overwhelm the marginalized sector of the country, which comprises a large part of the general population. Moreover, this may reinforce negative stereotypes among specific, target communities. It could lead to the generalization of specific communities and cultures that may promote further discrimination and stigmatization.
While paternity testing holds significant potential in alleviating cases of paternity fraud and safeguarding the rights and health of children, it should not be made mandatory. The right to know about one's parentage is essential, but imposing this requirement disregards individuals who have a unique relationship with their paternity and may add an additional burden to specific groups. Therefore, paternity testing should be made available to those who are willing to take them, but it should not be mandatory. After all, is it really necessary for a father to be biological to take on the role of a dad?
REFERENCES
[1] Bellis, M. A. (2005, September 1). Measuring paternal discrepancy and its public health consequences. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 59(9), 749–754. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2005.036517
[2] Draper, H., & Ives, J. (2009, December). Paternity testing: a poor test of fatherhood. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 31(4), 407–418. https://doi.org/10.1080/09649060903430264
[3] Padilla, C. D., & de la Paz, E. M. (2013). Genetic services and testing in the Philippines. Journal of community genetics, 4(3), 399–411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-012-0102-4
[4] Pena, S. D., & Chakraborty, R. (1994, June). Paternity testing in the DNA era. Trends in Genetics, 10(6), 204–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9525(94)90257-7
OTHER EDITORIALS
“While there is no damnation in scientific progress and considerations, it is the myriad of situations surrounding the person that ultimately determines their fate.”