Zimbabwe MP proposes mandatory DNA tests for newborns

The Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Kabuyuni, Spencer Tshuma, has proposed that all newborn babies in Zimbabwe undergo mandatory DNA testing before birth certificates are issued.

Speaking in the National Assembly of Zimbabwe last week, Tshuma argued that compulsory DNA testing would help resolve paternity disputes, ensure children inherit from their biological fathers and prevent men from being forced to support children who are not theirs.

He suggested that DNA test results should be attached to birth certificates as official proof of parentage.

Tshuma also urged the Government to make DNA testing affordable and accessible by equipping hospitals with the necessary machines to carry out the tests.

The proposal echoes a similar call made last year by the Member of Parliament for Southerton, Bridget Nyandoro of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

Speaking in August 2025 during the Action Indaba on Gender-Based Violence Symposium in Harare, Nyandoro said she intended to table a motion in Parliament seeking compulsory DNA testing for all children at birth.

"I am going to move a motion in Parliament to have mandatory DNA testing at birth. I know it is not going to be a favourable one, but I believe it will go a long way in mitigating the effects of gender-based violence," she said at the time.

"Many times, we have seen women being killed after 22 years when someone discovers they have been taking care of a child who is not theirs."

Meanwhile, Global DNA Zimbabwe recently revealed that 72 percent of the paternity tests it has conducted returned negative results, indicating that in many cases presumed fathers were not biologically related to the children they were raising.

The proposal is likely to spark debate among lawmakers, health experts and civil society groups over issues of privacy, cost and the broader social implications of mandatory DNA testing.