Opposition Senator Andre Worrell has reignited discussions on the necessity of mandatory DNA testing at the commencement of child maintenance and paternity cases. Emphasizing the importance of fairness and transparency, Senator Worrell argued that such a measure would mitigate emotional and financial turmoil for all parties involved. His remarks came during a Senate debate on the Family Leave Bill, where he aligned with acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna’s recent advocacy for automatic DNA testing in family court proceedings. McKenna, speaking at a panel on child support delinquency, proposed that Barbados adopt a system where DNA tests are conducted as soon as a man is brought to court for maintenance, ensuring paternity is confirmed before proceeding with financial obligations. Senator Worrell supported the Family Leave Bill, which extends maternity leave and introduces paid paternity leave, but stressed the need for equitable treatment of men through accessible paternity testing. He highlighted the legal and emotional challenges faced by men who later discover they are not the biological fathers of children they supported. Worrell suggested that early DNA testing could prevent such issues, fostering clarity and fairness in family law.