What is a Paternity DNA Test?
A paternity DNA Test is the simplest and most accurate method of determining if an alleged man is the biological father of a child. It uses DNA markers to confirm if an alleged father and a child share a biological relationship.
Every individual inherits genetic markers from their parents; 50% from the biological father and 50% from the biological mother. A paternity DNA test involves analyzing a person’s DNA marker and comparing them to another person’s. In this case, a child’s DNA markers are compared to the father’s DNA markers to check for genetic matches which determine if they share a biological relationship.
The procedure involves collecting DNA samples from the alleged father and child. The samples are usually taken from the participants’ cheeks with a buccal swab. Other sample collection methods include blood, nail, toothbrush and hair.
Paternity Testing in Nigeria
Paternity DNA testing in Nigeria is becoming more popular as a result of recent media reports of paternity fraud and infidelity in marriages. Before, a typical Nigerian man believes he is the biological father of any child produced by his wife. Compared to a few years back, more fathers are questioning and verifying the paternity of their children to ascertain where they stand. Yet, some other fathers do not understand why it is necessary to check if they truly fathered the children they are raising. The question is; why should you confirm the paternity of your child?
Here are some reasons why you should consider a Paternity DNA test In Nigeria.
- Resemblance
In a country like Nigeria where we give prominence to striking resemblance between parents and their children, if your child doesn’t share any physical resemblance with you, then you should consider getting a paternity DNA test to confirm if he or she is truly yours. Moreso, if your child shares a striking resemblance with a close friend, neighbour or distant family instead, that might be a red flag. A note of caution: resemblance does not confirm or disprove paternity.
- You suspect your partner is unfaithful
Infidelity in relationships and marriage is fast becoming the new norm. Some women engage in sexual activities with multiple partners. This raises the likelihood of incorrectly identifying a child’s father, giving rise to misattributed paternity. If there are suspicions or proof that your wife is seeing another man outside of your marriage or keeping close male friends with enough reasons to doubt her fidelity, you should consider getting a Paternity DNA test to be sure you are not raising another man’s child
- Does your child possess some unusual genetic behavioural trait?
Based on the genetic information transferred from both parents, specific genetic behaviours are also transmitted to kids. Children inherit some behavioural qualities from either their father or mother and as the child matures and you observe attentively, you should discover some features that you both have in common. If your child exhibits absolutely no traits that in the slightest bit resemble any of your own, it may be time to get a Paternity DNA test.
Please note that behavioural differences are not enough to prove or disprove paternity. The old question of nature vs nurture comes in here (Whether nature or nurture plays a bigger role in personality and development is one of the oldest philosophical debates within the field of psychology.)
- You need peace of mind
Carrying doubts can be very burdensome. A man may be reluctant to spend time with or participate in the upbringing of a child if he is unsure whether he is the child’s biological father. Entertaining doubts about the paternity of your child can jeopardize the development of a strong father-to-child relationship. In case of doubt or persistent concerns that you might not be the child’s biological father, a Paternity DNA test is the surest way to clear your doubt
- To avoid future headache
Delay in learning the truth increases the risk of developing an attachment with a child that is not biologically yours. It causes emotional pain for both parties if they subsequently realize they are not related. The truth sets free, and so does the Paternity DNA test set free as there is no greater freedom than knowing that your children are biologically yours.
Are you considering running a DNA test in Nigeria?
Contact Smart DNA, Nigeria’s best DNA center for all the assistance you may require.