In-Hospital Paternity Establishment: Experiences and Meaning Perceived by Unmarried Parents

Voluntary paternity establishment was placed in birthing hospitals by an act of Congress, but little is known about how unmarried parents experience this process. This study presents reactions from 81 racially/ethnically diverse, low-income parents. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three overall themes and six subthemes: (1) paternity establishment process [subthemes: variety of experiences, strong emotional experience, and poor timing]; (2) meaning of paternity establishment [subthemes: responsible fatherhood, symbol of commitment to child, and importance of the child knowing his father's identity]; and (3) paternity establishment decision-making. Many parents either did not recall receiving the requisite information or found it difficult to focus on technical materials immediately after childbirth. For parents, the symbolic value of the father's name on the birth certificate overrode other considerations. Parents' perspectives may help administrators of paternity establishment programs better tailor procedures and timing to the needs of unmarried parents.