Legislature OKs Bill To Revoke Paternity In Cases Of Rape
LANSING (AP) - Legislation going to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk would expand a mechanism by which a mother can go to court to have the father's paternity revoked if a child is conceived through rape.
The process is already allowed if there is a rape conviction. But advocates say women may not press charges due to fear and intimidation tactics used by perpetrators.
The bill sent to Snyder by the Senate on Tuesday allows a mother who proves by "clear and convincing" evidence that her child was conceived as a result of rape to have the perpetrator's paternity revoked.
Without a conviction, current law only allows the woman to seek to have parenting time or custody denied.
The legislation is sponsored by Republican Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge.
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