Biz Unusual

China's census boosts paternity testing

By Gao Yuan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-05 17:22

A doctor registers blood samples in Xi'an,Shaanxi province on Dec 20, 2005. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

The paternity test industry has became the latest beneficiary of China's once-in-a-decade census because parentage test results must be handed in when parents want to put their illegitimate children's name on their household registeration, Guangzhou Daily reported Friday.

A principal of forensic science center at Southern Medical University told the newspaper that the center has received nearly 330 paternity test applications in October, four times higher than in usual months. In previous months, the center usually received fewer than 80 applications a month, the principal said.

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According to a new policy, children born out of marriage or out of family planning will get a legal identity during the census. But parentage test results must be handed in before registration. This is the reason why the test is thriving, the report said.

Merely three to five tests were for specifically for household registration in past months, but the number soared to almost 260 last month, said the principal.

In addition, the report warned that there are many facilities that offer paternity test services, however, judicial authorities will not approve test results provided by unlicensed facilities.