As more and more parents have children outside of the traditional marriage determining paternity becomes more important. Moreover, there are also those times when a child is conceived while the parties are married but the unborn child may not be of the marriage. Technology in the medical field has advanced tremendously in the past decade.  As a result the field of prenatal paternity testing has emerged.  Three types of prenatal paternity testing exist:  Amniocentesis, Chronic Villus Sampling, and Blood Sampling.  If you are considering a prenatal paternity testing, this article will explain each.

Test Types for Prenatal Paternity Testing

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a type of prenatal paternity testing that can occur 14 to 20 weeks into a pregnancy.  A physician will use a needle to extract amniotic fluid out of a mother’s womb.  Lab technicians will then check the amniotic fluid for samples on fetal cells.  These cells are then compared to the DNA in the possible father’s cells.  Procedures cost around $1,000 to $3,000.  Some people believe this involves a possible risk of miscarriage, and advocate against it.

Chronic Villus Sampling

This type of testing carries the label of “CVS” in the medical field.  In this process, physicians pull a DNA sample from the tissue surrounding the fetus.  It may occur 10 to 13 weeks into a pregnancy.  CVS typically costs more than Amniocentesis, with costs beginning around $3,000.  Again, the risks of miscarriage and/or birth defects from the procedure are notable.  As a result, some physicians are hesitant to perform such a procedure.

Blood Sampling

Blood sampling is probably the most non-invasive procedure for prenatal paternity testing.  Further, this can occur as early as 8 weeks into a pregnancy.  It is simply two blood samples—one drawn from each parent or potential parent.  Lab techs will then compare the DNA with that of the fetus.  Fetal DNA may be in the mother’s blood during her pregnancy.  As a result, this allows comparisons for paternity purposes to the father’s blood.  Costs generally range around $1,600.

OTHER QUESTIONS ON PATERNITY TESTING IN OKLAHOMA?  SEE OUR BLOG.

Prenatal Paternity Testing and the Law

The law in Oklahoma is open to prenatal paternity testing.  However, it does not allow the father to be legally determined until after the baby is physically born.  At this point, under 10 O.S. § 7700-611, the court will determine paternity.  This possibly provides the mother with retroactive financial support and current and continuing support, depending on the circumstances.

We Can Help With Child Paternity 

Our family attorneys understand how stressful an unplanned pregnancy can be.  If you are facing paternity questions in a pregnancy and need help with child custody, let us know.  We have years of experience with hundreds of clients.  Call for a free consultation. 918.283.7394