Genetic Ties and the Family: The Impact of Paternity Testing on Parents and Children

Abstract

Genetic Ties and the Family brings together experts in history, law, ethics, philosophy, psychology, social work, and sociology to explore the tension between biological and social conceptions of parentage. The contributors consider the effect of DNA-based paternity testing on family relationships and discuss the ethical, legal, and social implications. These essays reflect the changing concepts of parenthood, along with social factors that heighten conflict, such as single-parent adoption, gay and lesbian parents, child support laws, and new reproductive technologies. Building on scholarship of the last quarter century -- including the latest developments in law and social science research -- this volume will inform the development of legislation regulating genetic testing and the use of test results in establishing parental rights.