More and more men are seeking DNA tests to establish the paternity of their children. Rates of misattributed paternity have been estimated as high as one in five people. INSIGHT looks at the rates of misattributed paternity, and rising rates of DNA paternity testing. What leads people to take a test?

Men’s groups argue fathers have the right to conduct the testing whenever they chose fit. But other experts claim that there is no reason to conduct tests because cases of misattributed paternity are lower than estimates by men’s groups.

INSIGHT investigates the commercialisation of the industry, and the new DNA campaigns that prey on men’s fears of female promiscuity. Are they ethically sound? Is the science correct?

We ask is the biological or social parenting that really makes a father? And how do men feel about fatherhood? The law says it’s biology, but do men agree?

Appearing on the show in front of a live audience were:

ASS. PROFESSOR MICHAEL GUILDING
Associate Professor Michael Gilding is the Director of the Centre for Emerging Technologies and Society at Swinburne University.

PROFESSOR DAVID WEISBROT
David Weisbrot is the President of the Australian Law Reform Commission.

The Insight host, Jenny Brockie, was also be joined by men who've sought DNA tests, mens groups and children who've been through the tests.

SEX, LIES AND DNA, Tuesday, 7 June at 7.30pm on SBS.

*Please note, INSIGHT is repeated on Fridays at 1pm.

View this TV show over the internet from SBS(Special Broadcasting Service)-TV Media archives coming soon June 15, 2005. Link to TV station for media archives click here

Insight Poll Results

Should men be able to seek DNA tests for their children without the consent of the mother?

Yes	82%
No	7%
In Some Circumstances	10%
Undecided	1%