The Mansfield Rule states that if a child is conceived within marriage, the husband is accepted without verification or proof to be the father. Since this presumption is not always true, some states have introduced "milkman" legislation to challenge or refute this presumption. A father's name written (even if in his own handwriting) on the birth certificate does not establish the validity of paternity.
During the last thirty years, the number of children born outside of marriage (out of wedlock) has commanded our attention due to the abundance of false paternity suits against innocent men. In many cases, this false claim directly and unfavorably harms the economic well-being of our nations children.
It is imperative for our legislators to develop and enforce policies which will make the process of determining paternity as easy and transparent as possible. A man must know with certainty if the new child is actually his biological offspring, and for which he will be economically and socially responsible. Any father who believes he has been treated unfairly, or who has reason to believe he is being deceived, should not expect someone else to take action for him.
These aggrieved fathers must research their state's laws for specifics on paternity establishment. It is his duty to draw the attention of the appropriate officials in government, and in their communities or wherever else this issue needs to be raised. These victimized fathers should join forces and utilize all the resources available to them to resolve this very serious issue that hurts so many people, including society's weakest and most vulnerable members, our children.
What starts off wrong, ends off wrong. Deception can never be a substitute for honesty and fair play.
