Letter of the Day | Swaying from biblical principles causing paternity fraud

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I recently watched an episode of All Angles on TVJ which explored the issue of paternity fraud in Jamaica. This topic has sparked intense debate, especially in light of recent research highlighting its prevalence in our society.

Paternity fraud refers to the intentional misidentification of a child’s biological father. In Jamaica, it is common to refer to such cases as a ‘jacket’. However, while some cases involve deliberate deception, others arise from genuine uncertainty about paternity.

Two studies conducted by Northern Caribbean University— The Perspectives and Practices of Women on Paternity Fraud in Jamaica: Post COVID-19 and The Male’s Perspective on Paternity Fraud in Jamaica during the Post-COVID-19 Era, led by Paul A. Bourne et al—shed light on the reasons behind paternity fraud and its impact on men. The research found that the most common reason women engaged in this practice (reported by 15.1 per cent of respondents) was financial stability. Additionally, 12.1 per cent of women age 18 and older admitted to knowingly misattributing paternity, while 30.1 per cent indicated they would not seek DNA testing for their children.

The consequences of paternity fraud are far-reaching and devastating. Men and women alike feel betrayed, children may lose the only father figure they have ever known, and entire families are torn apart. While some have called for mandatory DNA testing at birth to address this issue, this is not the ultimate solution.

Instead, the society should return to fundamental family values, as outlined in the Bible. Sexual abstinence outside of marriage and faithfulness within marriage are the best safeguards against paternity fraud and its painful consequences. In cases where individuals choose to engage in premarital sexual activity, they must take responsibility by using protection to prevent unintended pregnancies and the resulting complications.

Paternity fraud is but one of the many negative consequences of straying from biblical principles. By upholding faithfulness in relationships and exercising responsibility in our sexual choices, we can significantly reduce the risk of paternity fraud and spare our children and families unnecessary heartache.

FABIAN THOMAS