COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill that would mandate hospitals offer genetic testing to confirm the paternity of babies who are born to unmarried couples.
Reps. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) introduced House Bill 435, named the “Right to Know Act,” on Sept. 9.
New Ohio driver’s education law goes into effectUnder the legislation, when a baby is born at or en route to a medical facility, the institution would have to offer to complete genetic testing before the mother and alleged father sign an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit: a voluntary document for unmarried individuals confirming that both agree the man is the biological father and wish to name him as the legal father.
If a couple declines the genetic testing, they would be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that it was offered to them.
Miller, who is the director of a pregnancy care center, said the bill would help more children know who their father is, leading to more fathers being involved in their children's lives.
“It pretty much prioritizes the well-being of children by empowering their parents from the very beginning,” Miller said in an interview with NBC4. “This really tugs on my heartstrings because I do see the value and the change in somebody's life when they have a father involved and every single child deserves to know who their parents are.”
All about new laws taking effect today in OhioMiller pointed to a statistic from a 2020 report by the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, which found that the state’s rate for fatherless homes is 28% -- a figure 21% higher than the national average. She also said research shows children raised without a father face higher risk of poverty, crime and poor academic outcomes.
“Strong families are built on trust, transparency and truth,” Williams said in a statement. “The Right to Know Act gives parents the opportunity to make informed decisions from day one, reducing future conflict and helping lay a stronger foundation for the children at the heart of these families.”
The act’s sponsors will request an analysis from the Legislative Service Commission, a nonpartisan branch of the Ohio General Assembly, to find out what the bill’s cost impact may be, Miller said.
Currently, hospitals typically do not offer paternity testing for unmarried couples when a baby is born. If a baby’s mother and alleged father decide not to sign the paternity affidavit, the pair may request genetic testing through a county child support enforcement agency, with the testing often provided for free. If the results show paternity, the agency will legally declare the father as the child’s parent.
Parents can also choose to sign an acknowledgment of paternity waiver at their local health department or child support agency after leaving the hospital. Paternity can be established until an individual is 23 years old.
Equality Ohio marks 20 years of LGBTQ+ advocacy as same-sex marriage faces new threatsWhen a father’s paternity is not established, the mother is the sole legal guardian of the child. By establishing paternity, a father gains the right to seek custody, visitation and other legal privileges.
HB 435 was referred to the Judiciary Committee where it awaits its first hearing. Three Republican lawmakers are cosponsoring the bill.
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