According to a new study conducted by researchers in the U.K., approximately one in every 25 men unknowingly raises a child that is not biologically theirs. This information could be vital to the child's future health care needs as he or she grows up and needs medical attention.
The study looked at scientific research regarding paternity that was published between 1950 and 2004 and found that discrepancies from as little as one percent to as much as 30 percent existed.
Factors that the study found increase the chances of paternal discrepancy include becoming pregnant at a younger age, low socioeconomic status, and being in a long-term relationship rather than being married.
An increase in the number of paternity tests being done will make more cases of paternal discrepancy come to light in the near future according to the study. In the U.S., for example, the number of paternity tests doubled between 1991 and 2001.
'Modern genetic techniques continue to open a Pandora's box on hitherto hidden aspects of human sexual behavior,' the researchers concluded.
The study was led by Professor Mark A. Bellis, from the Center for Public Health at the Liverpool John Moores University and was published in the most recent issue of the 'Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.'
There can be numerous social problems that can exist when paternal discrepancy is uncovered from the break-up of families to even possibly domestic violence and abandonment issues for children. The authors of the study argue that there are times when this information must be disclosed regardless of the possible social implications.
'In a society where services and life decisions are increasingly influenced by genetics, our approach to paternal discrepancy cannot be simply to ignore this difficult issue but must be informed by what best protects the health of those affected,' the study concludes.
