June 2007

T

here is a lot of discussion about the catch-22 of DNA testing, wrongful paternity, and men’s rights. Cases of wrongful paternity have far reaching effects. What happens to children who are told that the only father they’ve ever known is really not their biological father? What becomes of the parent and child relationship? Sadly, many do not think about the far reaching affects that DNA testing can have on the family’s identity. As one government report observed, “DNA testing, not only provides information about related persons, but goes to the very nature and identity of the family itself.”¹ The reality is that many men care deeply about these children and they see them as family. The strained relationship exists between the father and the children’s mother, not with the children. One father is reported saying that “just because one is not the DNA father does not mean you wish to step out of the child’s life.”^2. This month, Chap’s Expressions hails the efforts all fathers battling with their roles as dad. We especially pay tribute to the lives of the children that they have touched.

[1] The Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2003.

[2] Ibid.

The staff at Chap's Expressions would like to wish all of the father's a very special and happy Father's Day.