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Advantages/disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages
to paternity testing. For most of human existence the issue of
paternity has been taken on trust. Now, however, because DNA testing
has become so commonplace, fatherhood can now be scientifically
confirmed beyond reasonable doubt. Although the procedures themselves
are increasingly simple, there can be devastating emotional consequences.
DNA testing can turn suspicion into heartache.
Before thinking about going ahead with genetic
testing to determine paternity, it's very important that you consider
what you will do if the result isn't what you expect or want.
According to statistics, approximately 30% of all tested men are
excluded in DNA testing. Many people consider counseling first,
to sort out whether paternity testing is the right thing for them
and to help decide how they will talk to the child about what
is happening. The consequences can be overwhelming for the entire
family, and particularly for the child/ren involved.
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Many fathers have learned through testing that
the children they have cherished and nurtured are not their biological
children. As stunned as most of these men are to find they are
no genetic relation to their children, they are even more astonished
to hear that the courts don't care. If a support order has already
been established he may be obligated to continue paying---even
if the child isn't his. The practical, and compassionate, solution
to the problem is automatic paternity testing at birth, or even
earlier. This is the only way to prevent the hard-hitting issues
that arise when fraud is uncovered years after a father and child
have grown to love each other deeply.
There are, however, advantages to paternity testing.
Sometimes the concerned spouse or lover finds that the child is,
without a doubt, his own. While DNA testing has ended some marriages,
it has strengthened others. Also through genetic testing, a long
lost sibling or parent has been found and a relationship forged
where before there was none. This can be especially true in cases
of adoption where records have been sealed and genetic proof is
needed. Children searching for biological parents or siblings
can be assured they have found the right people. |
