Why are there women afraid of mandatory paternity tests? (husband, children, sex)

[EDUCATED MAN'S PERSPECTIV]

I don't get it. In Louisiana, two Representatives submitted legislation in 2008 to have mandatory pregnancy tests because of all the paternity fraud. If it's true that 10% of all fathers are tricked into thinking they are the paternal fathers then WHY would anyone fight this? It's bigger than some women having their feelings "hurt" because their men want to KNOW that they are the fathers of their children. So why the reluctance?

[cpg35223]

Because it's the automatic presumption of guilt.

Tell you what. On Saturday night in your city, why don't police simply pull over every driver and subject them to a breathalyzer test? Or, the next time you fly, why don't they strip search every passenger on the plane? Or frisk every customer leaving the Best Buy? It's about the same thing.

[Mercury Cougar]

Originally Posted by EDUCATED MAN'S PERSPECTIV

I don't get it. In Louisiana, two Representatives submitted legislation in 2008 to have mandatory pregnancy tests because of all the paternity fraud. If it's true that 10% of all fathers are tricked into thinking they are the paternal fathers then WHY would anyone fight this? It's bigger than some women having their feelings "hurt" because their men want to KNOW that they are the fathers of their children. So why the reluctance?

Who is reluctant? I can't imagine being uncertain about who the father of my child was, but I'd think if one were, they would welcome a paternity test.

[What!]

They think they're being vicitmized. I could understand if the number was lower but 10% is a lot, and thus I agree with mandatory paternity tests. Either that or have the school sex ed videos firmly stress having a paternity test to prove who the father is. That way kids get educated on this stuff while young.

[Coolhand68]

Sounds like just another ploy for the state to suck revenue from patients and insurance companies. If a man has any doubts, get the test done on an individual basis, why subject an entire population to it for the actions of 10%? If someone is THAT concerned about being tricked, then practice better birth control, or better yet, get to know who your having sex with first.

[seeniorita]

Originally Posted by Coolhand68

Sounds like just another ploy for the state to suck revenue from patients and insurance companies. If a man has any doubts, get the test done on an individual basis, why subject an entire population to it for the actions of 10%? If someone is THAT concerned about being tricked, then practice better birth control, or better yet, get to know who your having sex with first.

Took the words right out of my mouth...or keyboard!

[MAtheBanker]

Maybe it's just me, but I find it slightly trashy to even consider that my partner isn't the father of my children. Why would you want to be in a relationship where that is even a possiblity. Maybe it's my morals, but to be in a position where you possibly aren't the father...that's just...ick.

[Redisca]

Originally Posted by EDUCATED MAN'S PERSPECTIV

I don't get it. In Louisiana, two Representatives submitted legislation in 2008 to have mandatory pregnancy tests because of all the paternity fraud. If it's true that 10% of all fathers are tricked into thinking they are the paternal fathers then WHY would anyone fight this? It's bigger than some women having their feelings "hurt" because their men want to KNOW that they are the fathers of their children. So why the reluctance?

First, I don't think we've ever been provided with a reliable source for this 10% figure. Since 10% is clearly a statement of fact, rather than one of opinion, it requires some proof.

Second, it's not that women are afraid -- a lot of us resent it, because it creates a presumption of guilt without any basis; and because it makes the woman dependent on her husband's willingness to submit a DNA sample in order to be acquitted of the presumption that she is a *****.

Third, it produces inequitable results. If a woman's husband is serving in Iraq and is killed, while she is pregnant at home, her child is deemed to be a bastard (because the father isn't here to provide a DNA sample). That means the child will not get the father's benefits.

Fourth, because it treats women differently. I don't see any calls for mandatory searches of restaurant patrons, or monitoring and logging of all electronic activities. Why not? Do people have something to hide?

[bmwguydc]

Thanks for the debate, but since the issue is discussing legislation and paternity fraud, per the OP, it's not a relationships issue.