DNA Paternity Testing Info

To get a better understanding of DNA paternity testing, you need to know a little about DNA and paternity itself. The following information can help shed light on these issues.

Who's The Father? DNA Paternity Testing

Author: Richard Cussons

There is an urban legend that over thirty percent of all children are not born of their appointed father; instead, they are the products of adultery. Because of this long- standing myth, the idea of a paternity test has been a persistent one in the minds of the public. Here, we will explain what a paternity test actually is and answer questions on how it works to prove who fathered the child.

Why a Paternity Test:

Some question why this test is called a 'paternity'. The answer is quite simple: unless the mother was impregnated through an egg donation, it's obvious that she is the mother. The father, however, can be anyone-- that is why children are tested against his DNA and not hers.
 
How does a Paternity Test Work:

Though there are other methods, DNA testing is the easiest--and most effective--way to test a child for paternity.

DNA is unique for each individual but, when sexual reproduction occurs, an embryo is created. That embryo is formed by taking genetic material from both parents to create a new string of DNA.

To prove who is the father, one only has to look at the child's DNA pattern. In it, you will find evidence of the father's unique traits. Certain sequences will be available, and these will prove whose traits passed on.

Is a Paternity Test Accurate:

Yes. Unless the case involves a twin brother, DNA should easily be able to tell who fathered the child. The test is accurate.

Is a Paternity Test Necessary:

This is the gray area of the subject. A father's right to know if a child is his is not questioned; what is questioned, however, is the effects on the child. Often, cases of fathers seeking parental rights to children who have with their mothers and another man who they view as their father surface. These cases are long, drawn-out battles of basic parental rights versus basic child welfare. The father may argue that, since it was he who actually created the child, he should have the right to be present in his or her life. Others would argue, however, that a child in a stable home should not be forced to have two fathers and, therefore, two lives.

It is this heated debate that has divided many, and left the rest uncertain. Each case is different and must be examined as unique, which makes setting precedent almost impossible.

To have a paternity test is to open up a great deal of consequences--not only for the child, but for the parents. It is not a simple matter, or one that should be decided too quickly. These tests may be taken without consent, but there is a law in the UK that is demanding that no test be given without the express knowledge of all involved. This is to protect families.

A paternity test is an effective way to discover who fathered a child, but it can also be an effective way to cause a child grief. It should be approached with caution.

About the author:
Richard Cussons is a prolific and diverse writer. You will find out more about DNA paternity testing at the DNA testing website.

Paternity Testing: To Be The Father Or Not To Be....

Author: Martin Myers

Before you can understand the importance of paternity testing, you must first understand the DNA element involved and why DNA is used to establish paternity. DNA is the pattern for your genetic makeup. Each and every person has a different pattern of DNA. However, persons belonging to certain ethnic backgrounds, certain races, or simply certain features, can have DNA that shows related characteristics. No two people, except for identical twins will have the same DNA.

Every person has 46 chromosomes in each cell. The only exceptions are the sperm and egg cells. They each have 23. At the moment of conception, however, the 23 chromosome from the sperm and egg combine to form 46, and at that moment, you have the chromosomes needed to create a new person. This pattern for your genetic makeup is a combination of maternal DNA and paternal DNA. In other words, half your makeup is your mother's and half is your father's. Now, since the mother would be the person giving birth, there is no dispute about maternal proof. She was there at birth. But what about paternal proof? How do you determine the identity of the father, without a shred of doubt?

Enter DNA paternity testing. DNA testing works in the following way. The DNA of the child is tested. A test strip of DNA "bands" is established. The DNA is then tested from the alleged father. If the child and the man share common "bands" in a number of different locations, then paternity is established with 99.9 percent accuracy. That is as accurate as the results can be. This is a seemingly simple test, to have such a staggering effect on the people's lives that are involved. Entire families have been ripped apart over paternity issues. Lives have been forever changed, thanks to one little DNA test.

Today, paternity testing is utilized to decide custody cases, establish legitimate child support cases, influence adoption proceedings, and to aid in claiming inheritance by providing proof of relationship. By far, however, the largest use of DNA testing is in determining paternity issues. Most courts accept 99.9 percent positive as equal to a result of 100%.

There are tests available that can be used at home, but in the case of a legal battle, or establishing legal paternity, only the tests conducted by certified and licensed facilities will be allowed.

About the author:
Martin Myers provides medical related information on his blog at: http://www.paternity.4-your-health-only.com

Synonyms: Paterniy, paternitie, paterity, paturnety, patenity, paternty, paternety, patrnity, paturnity, patelnity, patornitie, patelnety, patermity, paterniyt, paterntiy, paterinty, patenrity, patrenity, paetrnity, ptaernity, apternity, paternit, aternity, paaternity, ppaternity, patternity, pateernity, and paternitty are all typos or misspells for "paternity."  ddna, dnna and dnaa are typos for "DNA."