Paternity test spike 'harmful to young'

A sharp rise in the number of paternity tests carried out in the capital has prompted concern among experts over the stress caused to children at the heart of disputes.

District courts and private clinics have seen a dramatic increase in the use of blood tests in divorce and custody cases in the past year. However, health experts warn that parents need to consider the extreme psychological strain they are putting on youngsters before demanding the screening.

"Divorce may be a relief to a couple who no longer love each other, but it's the child that bears the brunt of the dispute," said Wang Xingjuan, founder of Beijing Maple Women's Psychological Counseling Center, which has been providing social services to vulnerable women and children for 22 years.