East TN Conservative

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Mandatory Paternity Testing In Tennessee Thanks to Representative Hardaway, our wonderful Tennessee government is trying to pass a bill that would require mandatory paternity testing. It would be required for ALL babies, regardless of the relationship between the child’s parents. You can see the bill HERE (PDF). Here is an excerpt: ( ) Regardless of the relationship between a child’s parents, a genetic test shall be administered as provided in § 24-7-112 to confirm the paternity of the child before a father shall be isted on the birth certificate. In order to provide genetic testing for those who are financially unable to pay for such testing in whole or in part, the department of human services shall be responsible for payment for testing for parties financially unable to pay, in whole or in part for the purpose of providing evidence of paternity. The requirements for financial inability to pay shall be established by the commissioner of human services. The commissioner shall take into consideration the family income, the number of dependents in the family, the probable total cost of testing and the other financial responsibilities of the family. ( ) If the results of the required paternity test have not been received, or if the results have been received and showed the purported father was not the biological father of the child, no name shall be entered as the father on the birth certificate until such name can be established by genetic test. In such cases, the certificate shall be amended to include the name of the child’s father upon receipt of the results of a genetic test establishing paternity. So, you can see what is going to happen. If I as a responsible adult want to have a child, I will have to pay for my own test. However, for those that are financially “strapped,” I have to pay for their test as well. And what happens if the father is away, serving in Iraq or has passed away? His name is not allowed on the birth certificate. This is crazy. Write your legislators and let them know what you think of this. I just did. Also see: The Vol Abroad The Crone Speaks Knoxville Talks