Botswana considers compulsory DNA testing for paternity
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Weekend Post
Botswana President Duma Boko supports a presumption of paternity that could be overturned by a DNA test, amid debate over mandatory testing. The proposal was raised during a workshop on reforming children’s laws, according to Weekend Post.
Botswana President Duma Boko has expressed support for the principle that a man identified as a child’s father should assume his responsibilities unless a DNA test establishes otherwise. He was speaking at a workshop on reviewing children’s legislation, attended by officials from UNICEF and the Ministry of Child Welfare, according to Weekend Post.
The proposal to make paternity DNA testing compulsory was raised in the House of Chiefs. Duma Boko described the identified father as a “putative father”, whose responsibility could only be rejected by contrary biological evidence, reports Weekend Post.
The president nevertheless stressed the need to put the child’s interests at the centre of the debate. He said the presence of a father figure remained essential, regardless of the biological relationship, according to statements reported by Weekend Post.
