Increasingly, policymakers in the region and across the nation are trying to get around this problem by establishing paternity early on.

In any case, Richard acknowledged the baby as his own, which established legal paternity.

The states would be free to deny benefits to a mother who refuses to help officials establish paternity.

"The only reason for that kind of test is to establish paternity," Bonner said.

Services are also available to fathers who need help establishing paternity.

An additional major issue is that of establishing paternity and lineage.

The state should encourage single mothers to legally establish paternity.

Many of the men, she said, want to establish paternity to gain visitation rights with their children.

The state may also require men to submit to blood tests to establish paternity.

Had she named a father, tests would have established paternity.