Child Advocate: Mandatory Paternity Testing “Half Baked”

The intention of one St. James Member of Parliament to motion in Parliament for mandatory paternity testing for children at birth has met resistance from some child and women’s advocates. The PNP Women’s Movement says the proposal is not an effective way to tackle issues of domestic violence and should instead focus on root causes. Children’s Advocate Betty Ann Blaine believes the idea is not well thought out.

In his contribution to the state of the constituency debates in Parliament on Tuesday, St. James central Member of Parliament, Heroy Clarke, made known his intention to table a motion for paternity testing at birth to stem instances of domestic violence.

He referenced a study by Dr. Herbert Gayle; citing “paternal issues” contribute to Jamaica’s high rate of domestic violence that leads to murders. However, child-rights advocate Betty Ann Blaine, says this idea is ill-conceived; she notes that the idea of a mandatory paternity testing for every baby born in Jamaica currently is not properly thought through.

President of the PNP Women’s Movement, Patricia Duncan Sutherland, also disagrees with the MP’s suggestion. She notes that this decision should solely be up to the couple and the State has no reason to get involved. Both have put forward suggestions that tackle family life issues through public education and consistent engagement.

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