Mandatory paternity tests
published: Thursday | May 25, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THERE HAS been a strong outcry by many in the society that men need to start taking responsibility for their children. If they will not do so voluntarily then they should be compelled to do so by law.

A man can always deny that a child belongs to him, something a woman can never do, but advanced science is able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is the true parent.

There are few persons who are able to pay the more than $25,000 that is required for this test. Usually, it is the man who is asked to do so since he is the one in denial.

The mandatory use of a DNA test in specific circumstances is a welcome idea. However, if, the test should turn out to indicate that the accused is not the father then I strongly believe that the mother of the child should be mandated to reimburse the monies spent by him. We should be equally concerned that women are not able to dump children on men to whom they do not belong.

I am, etc.,

Mark Clarke

makeis@yahoo.com