Disputed Parentage in Paternity and Maternity

Introduction

Disputed parentage in both paternity and maternity can lead to serious ethical, legal, and medical challenges. This issue arises when uncertainty exists regarding the biological connection between a child and an alleged parent.

Causes of Disputed Paternity and Maternity

Paternity Disputes

• Non-exclusive sexual relationships
• Errors in hospital identification of newborns
• Artificial reproductive technologies
• Misattributed paternity due to infidelity

Maternity Disputes

• Mix-ups during in-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Neonatal hospital identification errors
• Surrogacy complications

Diagnostic Approaches

The determination of biological parentage is primarily conducted using genetic testing techniques, such as:

• DNA profiling (STR analysis)
• Mitochondrial DNA testing (for maternal lineage)
• Y-chromosome testing (for paternal lineage)

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Disputed parentage cases often involve legal battles over custody, child support, and inheritance rights. Ethical concerns arise regarding the psychological well-being of the child and fairness in assigning parental responsibilities.

Conclusion

Medical advancements have significantly improved the ability to resolve disputed parentage cases, yet societal and ethical implications remain significant. Proper education and legal frameworks can help mitigate the negative consequences associated with such disputes.