Paternity Testing Before Birth: Can DNA Tests Be Performed In Utero?

Question
Our son has been informed by a former girlfriend that she is pregnant and he is the father. She is due on September 2. He wants to be involved in the baby's life if testing proves him to be the father. Can paternity be determined in utero? Can a DNA test be given on a baby still in the womb?
Thank you

Answer
If your son's former girlfriend is due to deliver on September 2, then her last period was on November 26 and she would have ovulated on December 9. She could only have have conceived if she had unptorected sex on December 8,9,10, or 11. IF she is pregnant by your son, a paternity test can definitely be done before the baby is born. Each of the suspected parents must have a swab of the inside of their mouth taken and this is sent for DNA analysis. Fluid must be also removed from the amniotic sac that is surrounding the baby in order to also be tested for DNA. The girl must give permission for this because the fluid must be removed via amniotentesis, which requires consent from the patient. Once this is done, you will see if your son is the father of the baby. The test costs around $1,500 and, once the money is paid to the lab, they will release the results to your son and the girl. If the girl refuses to submit to amniocentesis, then you will all have to wait for the delivery of the baby and then test the baby, the mother, and the suspected father.