"The Case for Compulsory DNA Testing at Birth to Confirm Paternity: Eth" by Michael Mncedisi Willie
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Abstract

Compulsory paternity testing at birth has sparked significant legal, ethical, and social debate due to its potential impact on family dynamics, child well-being, and parental responsibility. This review explores the ethical, legal, and societal implications of such testing, using Bioecological Systems Theory and Rawls' Theory of Justice to frame the discussion. This review evaluates the benefits and challenges of mandatory DNA testing at birth, particularly in reducing paternity fraud, ensuring fairness in child support allocation, and enhancing socio-economic outcomes, especially in low-income households. This qualitative review draws on multidisciplinary literature from family law, genetic counseling, social policy, and fathers' rights advocacy. Sources were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, alongside grey literature such as policy briefs and advocacy reports (e.g., Fathers 4 Justice SA). Search terms included "paternity fraud," "mandatory DNA testing," "child support," and related ethical and legal concepts. The literature reveals paternity fraud is a significant concern, which compulsory DNA testing could help mitigate; however, privacy, parental autonomy, and the social implications of mandatory testing present challenges. The review emphasizes the importance of balancing the benefits of transparency with protecting individual rights, particularly in societies with strong traditional family structures. Compulsory paternity testing could promote fairness and reduce financial exploitation, but its implementation must address ethical concerns, including informed consent and privacy. Policymakers are urged to develop balanced regulatory frameworks that consider both the benefits and the ethical challenges. Special attention should be given to cultural values and protecting children's rights.

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Bahasa Abstract

Pengujian paternitas wajib saat lahir telah memicu perdebatan hukum, etika, dan sosial yang signifikan karena dampak potensialnya pada dinamika keluarga, kesejahteraan anak, dan tanggung jawab orang tua. Tinjauan ini mengeksplorasi implikasi etika, hukum, dan sosial dari pengujian tersebut, dengan menggunakan Teori Sistem Bioekologi dan Teori Keadilan Rawls untuk membingkai diskusi. Tinjauan ini mengevaluasi manfaat dan tantangan pengujian DNA wajib saat lahir, khususnya dalam mengurangi penipuan paternitas, memastikan keadilan dalam alokasi tunjangan anak, dan meningkatkan hasil sosial ekonomi, terutama di rumah tangga berpenghasilan rendah. Tinjauan kualitatif ini mengacu pada literatur multidisiplin dari hukum keluarga, konseling genetik, kebijakan sosial, dan advokasi hak-hak ayah. Sumber diidentifikasi melalui PubMed, Scopus, dan Google Scholar, di samping literatur abu-abu seperti laporan kebijakan dan laporan advokasi (misalnya, Fathers 4 Justice SA). Istilah pencarian mencakup "penipuan paternitas", "pengujian DNA wajib", "tunjangan anak", dan konsep etika dan hukum terkait. Literatur mengungkap penipuan paternitas merupakan masalah yang signifikan, yang dapat diatasi dengan pengujian DNA wajib, namun, privasi, otonomi orang tua, dan implikasi sosial dari pengujian wajib menghadirkan tantangan. Tinjauan tersebut menekankan pentingnya menyeimbangkan manfaat transparansi dengan perlindungan hak individu, khususnya dalam masyarakat dengan struktur keluarga tradisional yang kuat. Pengujian paternitas wajib dapat mendorong keadilan dan mengurangi eksploitasi finansial, tetapi implementasinya harus mengatasi masalah etika, termasuk persetujuan yang diinformasikan dan privasi. Para pembuat kebijakan didesak untuk mengembangkan kerangka peraturan yang seimbang yang mempertimbangkan manfaat dan tantangan etika. Perhatian khusus harus diberikan pada nilai-nilai budaya dan perlindungan hak-hak anak.

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