Misattributed Paternity

Last updated: November 9, 2023

What Does Misattributed Paternity Mean?

Misattributed paternity is a situation where the person who is thought to be a person’s father, is not actually the biological father. The term is not used in the context of adoption, or step-parentage.

In terms of fertility, misidentified paternity can result from different assisted reproductive techniques including undisclosed sperm donation and errors during artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Misattributed paternity can also be known as misidentified paternity.

FertilitySmarts Explains Misattributed Paternity

Misattributed paternity is typically discovered while undergoing medical treatments, the diagnosis of various genetic conditions or blood groups, suspicion of infidelity, doubts of paternity, and recreational genetic testing kits.

The increased access to recreational genetic testing kits and other genetic technologies has increased the chances of identifying cases of misattributed paternity.

There has been an ethical debate as to whether incidental discoveries of misattributed paternity should be reported. The issues of autonomy, confidentiality, and duty to inform, have all come into question.

The consequences of misattributed paternity include legal and psychological implications on all parties involved.

Synonyms

Misidentified paternity

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