Prenatal parentage assessment

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A prenatal parentage report or a prenatal paternity test (lat. Prae “before, before” + natalis “concerning the birth”) is a parentage report already drawn up for the unborn child during pregnancy .

The examination corresponds to a normal parentage report (DNA analysis) and includes a DNA analysis of the father and child. The only difference is when the sample was taken, since the child is the unborn fetus .

Sampling and special features

Two invasive methods of specimen collection are available, both of which are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage .

The gynecologist removes the cell material from the fetus (puncture only). Paternity diagnostics are usually accompanied by medical diagnostics (chromosome analysis or other molecular genetic tests).

The DNA profiles of mother and child are always created, as it cannot be guaranteed that an amniotic fluid or chorionic villus sample will only typify the child. It can happen that instead of the child's sample, you have a DNA sample from the mother.

In addition, a non-invasive examination has been available since 2012, since it does not intervene in the body of the unborn child, which is accordingly not associated with any risk of miscarriage. Here, blood is taken from the mother from the 9th week of pregnancy and the child's DNA contained therein is duplicated and compared with the DNA of the alleged father.

application

A prenatal paternity test can help clarify rape cases and incest situations before the birth.

Legal situation in Germany

A genetic examination to clarify the parentage may according to Genetic Diagnostics Act can only be carried out by doctors if, according to medical knowledge, an unlawful act according to Sections 176 to 178 of the Criminal Code ( sexual abuse of children , sexual assault, sexual coercion or rape ) has been committed on the pregnant woman and there are urgent reasons for the assumption, that pregnancy is based on action. Examinations carried out without a doctor are not possible in Germany.

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