Clarke says mandatory DNA testing can curb domestic violence
After missing another self-imposed deadline to table his motion for mandatory paternity testing at birth, St James Central Member of Parliament Heroy Clarke insists he has not wavered in his commitment to the proposal.
First promised three years ago, Clarke's motion aims to address paternity fraud and reduce domestic violence, which he argues is often fuelled by uncertainty over a child's parentage. Despite repeatedly postponing its introduction, Clarke remains resolute, explaining that the delay last Tuesday was due to time constraints.
"We didn't leave Parliament until some minutes past eight. We had a very long day, and we had to cut the agenda," Clarke told THE STAR, expressing hope to bring the motion forward in the next parliamentary session.
However, with the current Parliament's term expiring in September, the odds of the motion becoming law before the next general election appear slim. The legislative process involves debate and approval of the motion by the House of Representatives, a Cabinet review, and the drafting of a bill for further deliberation and passage.
Clarke remains undeterred, emphasising the importance of his proposal and citing high rates of paternity fraud in Jamaica.
"There are many persons, both males and females, more so males, who want to see it passed into law," Clarke said, dismissing critics who suggest the measure might incite violence. "The most important part of it is that each child will know very well that the name of the man that sits on his or her birth certificate is the person who is 99.9 per cent the real father."
He also highlighted the emotional toll of discovering paternity fraud later in life, stating that early identification is less damaging to children.
"The whole idea of persons finding out that the man is not their father just when the filing is taking place or when the case ends up in court for support is more damaging to the child," Clarke explained. "At the infant stage, it is nothing to them because they're not understanding what is taking place. So it's best that we deal with the situation at the beginning."
To make the policy accessible, Clarke proposes that the government fund DNA testing and establish facilities in public hospitals, or at least in regional hubs.
"The initial setting up of the lab is going to be an expense, but you're just going to be employing, just as if you would employ another doctor or lab technician," he said.
Clarke also argued that mandatory DNA testing could discourage adult men from preying on underage girls, pointing to teenage pregnancies as a societal issue that could be mitigated.
"One of the things I am hurt about is the idea that adult males [are] going to underage girls. This bill, it won't stop it totally, but at least they will act more responsibly," he said.
Clarke called for an open-minded approach, urging Jamaicans to focus on the broader societal benefits.
"I urge persons, don't knock it too hard because it is not about going into people's closets. It's about going forward," he said.