Healthy Conversations About Paternity Testing

Hi. I’m psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor. And I’m here to talk about the importance about having certainty around paternity. 1 in 5 Americans have said that they, or a close friend of family member, have questioned the paternity of a child.

A paternity test will answer these questions. And, no matter what the results are, it’s important that all the adults involved make a shared pledge to keep the best interests of the child as the number one priority.

Knowing the truth about paternity, and having both parents involved in a child’s life, is so important to the health and well being of that child. According to researchers, children who live without their biological father are, on average, two to three times more likely to be poor, to have emotional and behavioral problems, to struggle in school and to use drugs. These kids are also at higher risk to become victims of child abuse and to engage in criminal behavior.

Knowing the truth about a parent’s health history is essential for medical reasons, too, such as identifying some diseases or disorders a child may have inherited from their mother or father.

Every child deserves to grow up in an honest, loving, and nurturing environment. Determining paternity is a good first step to providing that for the child.

<< WATCH THE VIDEO ON THIS TOPIC BY DR. JANET TAYLOR

Blog written by Dr. Janet Taylor, IDENTIGENE Spokesperson and Community Psychiatrist.

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