10/20/2025

Ohio Lawmakers Introduce New Act Centered on DNA Testing at Birth

The non-mandated testing would help confirm both maternity and paternity

Ohio parents could soon be offered genetic testing for their newborns under a proposed bill aimed at confirming parentage and preventing long-term family disputes.

State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Toledo) introduced the "Right to Know Act," which would require hospitals to inform parents of the option for DNA testing immediately after birth.

The testing would help confirm both maternity and paternity and would be offered, not mandated. Under the bill, both parents would be notified of the testing opportunity, but either can decline. Williams said the goal is to reduce the number of paternity-related court cases in Ohio, which he said are common among unmarried parents.

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