Relating to a father’s obligation for payment of expenses including those related to a mother’s pregnancy and the birth of a child born out of wedlock

This bill relates to the obligation of parents of a child born out of wedlock for support. The bill amends Code chapter 600B (paternity and obligation for support) to provide that the court shall establish medical support pursuant to Code chapter 252E (medical support) and may order the payment of the reasonable and necessary uncovered medical expenses incurred by or for the mother in connection with the mother’s pregnancy and the birth of the child.21B (orders for child support and medical support) and shall take into account any amount the father previously paid toward such expenses. Additionally, the bill provides that the court may order the father to pay a separate amount toward any other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the mother related to the mother’s pregnancy prior to the birth of the child, and incurred by the mother to provide essential items for the health, well-being, and safety of the newborn. Under current law, upon the court’s own motion or upon a request of a party, the court shall require a child, mother, and alleged father to submit to blood or genetic tests to establish paternity. The bill provides that any blood or genetic tests for a child, mother, or alleged father shall not be conducted until after the birth of the child. The bill makes conforming and other changes in Code chapter 600B consistent with the bill.