New Ohio Bill to Offer Parents DNA Testing for Newborns
In Ohio, a new bill could soon give parents the option of genetic testing for their newborns, a move supporters say would strengthen family stability and protect children from future emotional trauma.
The proposed Right to Know Act, introduced by State Representative Josh Williams (R-Toledo), would require hospitals to inform parents that they can request DNA testing immediately after birth. The test, aimed at confirming both maternity and paternity, would be optional, not mandatory.
Williams says the legislation is designed to prevent future disputes over parentage and to reduce the number of paternity-related court cases, which he notes are especially common among unmarried parents.
“Parents have the right to know,” Williams said. “This allows families to establish paternity early and avoid costly and emotionally draining legal battles years down the line.”
Under the proposal, hospitals would not be required to conduct the testing themselves but must inform parents of the option. Both parents would receive notice, and either can decline participation.
Williams, who serves as the Majority Whip of the Ohio House, said the bill is part of his broader “Family First” legislative package, which also includes the Baby Bonus Act, the Invest in Marriage Act, paid paternity leave, and expanded IVF coverage.
He cited research from Bowling Green State University linking family instability to increased behavioral and emotional challenges in children, evidence, he says, that early clarity about parentage supports stronger, more secure families.
“If questions of paternity come up five, six, seven years later, it can be traumatic for the child,” Williams said. “We’re trying to avoid that and support strong, stable families.”
As the state awaits a fiscal analysis to determine potential costs, lawmakers are emphasizing fairness, efficiency, and the emotional wellbeing of the child.
At its core, the Right to Know Act is not only about parental rights, it’s about a child’s right to identity, security, and emotional stability from the very beginning.
