What are the Biological Father’s Rights?

Telling a guy about your unexpected pregnancy feels impossible. When prepared with the right information about your pregnancy, you can decide when and how to tell him. Whether you just met him or have been in a steady relationship for years, you get to decide what to say. Even if you are unsure of who the father of your pregnancy may be, you have options.   Can your clinic help me figure out who is the father of my baby?  At Alternatives Medical Clinic, we want to empower you with all the information you need. First we will verify your pregnancy. Then, our compassionate and confidential medical staff will talk with you about the progress of your pregnancy. Then, with the information you share, they can discuss possible conception dates. From there, we can provide you with referrals for paternity testing. While we can assist you with education on your pregnancy options and offer referrals, we recommend consulting a lawyer for the most up to date legal information regarding the father’s rights.   Can an ultrasound decide who is the father of my baby?  An ultrasound can give you a general idea of when you conceived but should not be relied upon to decide paternity. Using the measurements from the ultrasound and your health history, a healthcare provider can help you find the possible dates for conception. However, if you had sex with multiple partners, you should have a DNA test performed.   How do paternity tests work? Three tests decide paternity during pregnancy: a noninvasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP), a chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and an amniocentesis. Most healthcare professionals recommend the NIPP because it has the least number of risks. Professionals can perform the test as early as 8 weeks of pregnancy. The mother simply has her blood drawn and the father contributes a swab of saliva from his cheek. Then, the baby’s DNA is compared to the father’s DNA. Unless you are having twins, DNA tests are about 99.9% accurate.   Are at-home paternity tests accurate?  Some home tests can supply accurate results; however, the results cannot be used in courts to establish legal paternity. We recommend you obtain a DNA test at an accredited medical facility.   Should I figure out who the father of my baby is before birth?  Telling the father before birth allows you to decide how involved you want him to be in the pregnancy. Some women find that fathers provide emotional support during pregnancy and in the delivery room. Further, once you legally identify the father, you can take legal steps to ensure that he will provide financial support after delivery.   When does the father of my baby get rights?  After the birth of your baby, a father sets up parental rights in three ways. First, you and the father both sign a voluntary declaration of paternity. This means that the mother and the father agree that he is the father. Second, the father can file a petition to the courts to prove a parental relationship. Or third, the father can request a genetic test to prove that he is the father. After one of these methods, the father will have parental rights to your baby.   Does the father of my baby have rights during my pregnancy?  Custody laws in California do not apply to the baby until they are born. Even if you notify the potential father of the pregnancy, he does not have rights to the baby.   Do I have to tell the father of my baby that I’m going to have an abortion?  You make the decision to have an abortion. Although you don’t have to tell the father of your baby, most women benefit from telling someone about the options with an unexpected pregnancy. Talking about an unexpected pregnancy with a trusted friend or a compassionate medical professional may help you process your thoughts and emotions.     Do I have to tell the father that I want to place the baby for adoption?  In California, the biological father must give his consent before a mother can place her baby for adoption. Adoption agencies aid mothers in notifying the fathers and obtaining their consent. If the father does not want an adoption, then the legal courts become involved.   Unplanned Pregnancy Support in Escondido, CA The father can offer his thoughts or his opinions. You make the final choice for yourself, your body, and your future. So, make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you. Contact us or call us today at 760-280-7671 for an appointment!