| It is difficult to change the details on a birth | | | | There are cases of mothers wishing to remove a |
| certificate: without serious evidence, like DNA testing | | | | father’s name from a certificate: this is |
| or sworn testimonies, the name of a father is not | | | | possible, but tough. Online discussions usually warn |
| easily changed, once it has been put onto the official | | | | against such actions, and the process is complex. The |
| record. It is possible to have a surname changed, | | | | option of leaving the space blank does allow for a |
| usually by deed poll, and paternity tests can help to | | | | later addition: at this point, a paternity test can be |
| establish the identity of the biological father. | | | | useful, to quell doubts and ensure that the fateful |
| Nevertheless, if there is any doubt about paternity, | | | | stroke of the pen is not in vain. |
| the best advice is to simply leave the statement | | | | At the same time, the DNA test is a simple |
| blank, and wait until DNA tests clarify the situation. | | | | procedure, one that can be administered at home |
| In some ways, the law has not kept up with the | | | | and is readily available. Having been made famous by |
| advances in medical science: the format of a birth | | | | their use on television, they are not as melodramatic |
| certificate has not changed since the rise of DNA | | | | as they once were. They are best seen as an |
| testing, and this is another example of how | | | | insurance policy, a way of clearing up problems |
| technology outstrips our ability to deal with it. DNA | | | | before they arise. |
| tests are an important part of determining paternity, | | | | It is now possible to have a DNA test of an unborn |
| and are used to identify genetic predispositions to | | | | child: not quite as simple as the usual test, but easily |
| illness: nevertheless, they are only just now becoming | | | | obtained and doing away with uncertainty when it |
| part of our legal system. | | | | comes to the birth certificate. If the worst comes to |
| A paternity test is a common feature in cases of | | | | the worse, it is possible to engage a lawyer who will |
| disputed custody, and the precedent is in place for | | | | attempt to get around the challenges, but this is |
| them to be admitted, updating of the law around | | | | costly and time consuming. It is possible to ask the |
| birth certificates: a change would acknowledge our | | | | registrar to change the details if a mistake has been |
| scientific advances. | | | | made, through the deed poll system, but serious |
| The birth certificate is a key document: it is often | | | | evidence will be needed. DNA testing can be part of |
| the only proof of identity, and becomes the | | | | this, but this is, without doubt, one of the most |
| foundation for bank accounts and passport | | | | difficult of legal procedures and one of the challenges |
| applications. It reflects the importance of paternity | | | | that genetic research has conjured up for society. |
| and confirms the identity of a child’s father. | | | | |