Blood Grouping Tests: A Review of 1000 Cases of Disputed Paternity

Abstract

A review of 1000 disputed paternity cases in New York City from 1952-1960 reveals that 14.5% can be excluded by use of the ABO, MN and Rh blood grouping tests. Since the probability of exclusion is about 51% and 11.2% of the women failed to appear for blood tests, the study suggest that total of 39.6% of this group were probably falsely accused. In 1959 when 4200 actions were started in the "paternity" court, only 429 men denied paternity whereas only 239 were acquitted. From study of blood grouping results, non-disputed paternity cases and the results in the disputed cases, it can be estimated that a total of 884 were probably falsely accused, whereas only 239 were acquitted by the courts. A strong plea is made for uniform laws to require submission of blood group evidence prior to the institution of legal proceedings in matters pertaining to paternity.