Right To Know Act: DNA testing at birth introduced by Ohio lawmakers

The testing would help confirm both maternity and paternity and would be offered, not mandated.

TOLEDO, Ohio — 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.

“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 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.

“Right now, if a father wants to establish paternity, he’s looking at court filing fees, attorney costs, and time off work,” Williams said. “This simplifies the process and cuts down on conflict.”

Williams, who serves as Majority Whip in the Ohio House and represents District 44, said the legislation also aims to reduce childhood instability. 

He cited research from Bowling Green State University linking family instability to increased behavioral and emotional problems in children.

“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.”

Hospitals would not be required to conduct the testing themselves, but would need to make parents aware of the option. 

Currently, the state is awaiting a fiscal analysis to determine whether additional funding will be needed to support implementation.

The bill is part of Williams’ broader “Family First” legislative package, which includes measures such as the Baby Bonus Act, Invest in Marriage Act, paid paternity leave, and expanded IVF coverage.

Williams said he hopes the legislation will move through committee hearings soon, with a focus on addressing any cost concerns and ensuring that hospitals are equipped to provide the option fairly and efficiently.

“This is about giving families clarity from the very beginning,” he said. “That’s something every child deserves.”