Tag Archive: paternity testing


MasonPaternity 220x300 Scott Disick to Take a Paternity Test The Kardashian family has recently made headlines again, as someone from Kourtney’s past claims paternity of her three-year-old son Mason. Kourtney Kardashian has been in a relationship with model, reality star and businessman Scott Disick since 2006 who contends that he fathered the child. The couple also has an infant daughter together.

Model Suggests Tryst

Model Michael Girgenti came forward in 2009 proclaiming that he fathered Mason during an intimate tryst that he and Kardashian shared. Girgenti claims that he worked with Kardashian on a photo shoot while she and Disick were separated. He further goes on to explain the details of the incident, which he suggests led to the birth of the boy nine months later.

Though Girgenti continues claiming paternity and possible legal rights to the child, Kardashian holds that the allegations are lies. Disick reportedly agreed that submitting to a paternity test would end the allocations once and for all.

Girgenti remains confident that testing will prove that Disick is not the father. He also hopes that when the truth becomes evident that Kardashian might agree to Girgenti’s request for a relationship with the child, believing that the boy has the right to know his biological father.

Prevalence of DNA Testing

Every year, hundreds of thousands of men submit to DNA testing, as court evidence for declaring or denying paternity. Genetics Testing Laboratories performs thousands of tests for women who require confirmation of a child’s father while in pursuit of support. Occasionally, men suspect a partner of infidelity and desire testing as proof that they did not father a child. In any event, tests available to the public require nothing more than swabbing the inside of the mouth of the child and one or both of the parents.

KourtneyKMason1 Scott Disick to Take a Paternity Test

Process of Testing

Once the laboratory receives the specimens provided by the in-home kits, staff evaluate the child’s DNA sample for the genetic markers provided by the parents. The laboratory then isolates the genetic markers in question from the child and compares them to the parent. Using a genetic based algorithm database, the lab analyzes the parent’s DNA for the likelihood of paternity. The algorithm provides the test results as a percentage. The higher the percentage of similarity, the greater the chance that the man fathered the child.

Legally Binding Home Testing

When required for determination by a court of law, subjects choose legally binding home test kits, available at GTLDNA.com. The lab ships the American Association of Blood Banks accredited test kits to an unbiased third party who supervises the DNA collecting procedure. The enclosed paperwork requires the signatures of the witness and test subjects. Required documentation must also include signed photographic evidence of each test subject. The witness then seals all of the lab samples and documentation in the envelope provided and ships the contents to the lab via a courier service. Clients receive results in three to five business days following receipt of the samples.

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Michelle Knight, age 32, had been missing since 2002. Amanda Berry had been missing since 2003. A third woman, Gina DeJesus was abducted in 2004 at the tender age of 14, while walking home from school. All three women are victims of a sadistic serial abductor who were found alive nearly 10 years later. Recent news reports have stated that they were confined to a house in Cleveland, Ohio.

MissingWomen Three Women Found Alive After Missing for a Decade

It is believed that Ariel Castro, age 52, and two of his brothers had kept the women chained and locked inside the suburban Cleveland residence. It has been confirmed that the women were beaten, raped and tortured on a daily basis for over a decade.

Berry was last seen on April 21, 2003. At the time, the 16-year-old was walking home from her job at a local Burger King restaurant, when she suddenly went missing. Family members became concerned when she did not arrive home for her birthday party, later that evening.

On May 6, 2013, Berry made a desperate escape attempt and wanted to return back home. She successfully phoned police from a neighbor’s house, which facilitated their rescue.

The three abductees are said to have potentially known Castro, making it believable that he could have easily swayed them into entering his web. Upon entering the house where Berry and her captive comrades were being held, police found a plethora of chains, ties and other apparatuses used in their 10 years of tortured captivity.

Neighbor Charles Ramsey : ‘I Got Amanda Berry, Send the Police Out’

WKYC in Cleveland is reporting that all three women were forced into sexual encounters with their captors on numerous occasions, which may have resulted in at least five pregnancies during their time spent captive. At least one child is believed to be born from Amanda Berry, survived and was rescued alongside the abducted trio.

Leading the way in law enforcement’s case against the suspected captors, is scientifically-accurate DNA testing. The process, which identifies specific genomic markers in a person’s genetic makeup can be used to accurately determine kinship, parenthood and other relationships via comparison. It can also assist in sexual assault identification. This form of scientific demarcation will seal the prosecution’s case against the men accused of this despicable act.

DNA testing has become a major force in assisting police with its crime solving applications. When biological crime scene evidence is collected properly, valuable DNA can be found, and extruded. Therefore, it is capable of identifying the perpetrator(s) of current and past crimes via the creation of a nationwide database.

Collected DNA profiles at the local, state and federal levels have greatly enhanced law enforcement’s efficiency. Offender databases store millions of DNA profiles. Against them, DNA profiles that have been developed from crime scene evidence can be analyzed and closely compared.

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SwissTourist1 216x144 custom Swiss Tourist Gang Raped in India A 39-year-old woman was gang raped by four men while camping with her husband in the India Datia district forest. The couple had been on a cycling tour, which had started on February third. The husband was beaten, robbed and tied to a tree. Six men were involved, but two overpowered the husband, while the other four men raped the woman. They stole a laptop and 10,000 rupees, which is the equivalent to $185 American dollars. The woman was in shock and hospitalized.

The men all came from the village of Jharia, and each confessed to the crime. The trial began on March 30th. There are some unusual laws and events regarding this case, which include:

  • Confessions are not admissible in court
  • Confessions can be retracted
  • Twenty people have been detained for questioning
  • The Swiss ambassador to India has spoken with the couple, offering his support, and pushed for a speedy trial/justice.

In this case the senior law enforcement officials have adequate forensic evidence to convict the men. They claim their scientific evidence collected at the scene is more than adequate to prove the charges. The authorities collected vaginal swabs, samples of hair and fingerprints. They are also submitting a 100-page charge sheet to the court without a test identification parade by the accused as it was too dark for the victim to recognize her attackers. The laptop and money was found and returned to the owners.

Earlier this year, a 23-year-old woman was gang raped on a New Delhi bus and later died, which sparked outrage throughout India, hence their new implemented laws. India has recently passed the toughest anti-rape laws in their history due to the increase in rapes against women.

The minimum sentence for gang rape ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, and perpetrators can get sentences for life imprisonment as well. In addition, India has issued a travel notice that warns people about the “increasing number of rapes and other sexual offenses.” One of the prisoners was found dead in prison, and it is unclear as to whether he committed suicide or if he was murdered.

ForensicEvidence Swiss Tourist Gang Raped in India

Forensic evidence is tested by labs like the Genetic Testing Laboratories, Inc., which is a fully accredited laboratory. This laboratory uses the most advanced technology available. They offer a large variety of tests with a guarantee of accuracy. The tests include:

  • DNA Paternity testing, maternity DNA testing, Siblingship testing, Grandparent testing and more.
  • DNA Predisposition Testing is available, which reveals genetic predisposition to specific diseases.
  • Ancestral origin DNA testing that is compared to hundreds of global populations
  • Naturalization Service/Department of human Services uses GTL labs for immigration services.

This laboratory is accredited by numerous facilities, including the American Association of Blood Banks, the National Association of Testing Authorities, Safe Harbor, International Accreditation Forum (ISO) and A2LA, which is the largest multi-discipline laboratory accreditation system in the United States that is recognized by the European Union.

Fingerprints and other DNA evidence play a major role in trials today. It is more reliable than an eye witness as the results are accurate and provide validation.

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MichaelJackson 150x150 Lawsuit Could Reveal Who Michael Jackson Biologically FatheredMichael Jackson’s family anticipates going to court again in the near future. This time, the battle entails suing the AEG concert company for $40 million. The family claims the company contributed to the singer’s death by working him too hard in preparation for his “This Is It” tour. The company also reportedly hired Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician responsible for overdosing Jackson with the anesthetic medication known as propofol. In 2011, the court convicted Murray on felony involuntary manslaughter charges.

Family Secrets at Risk

The trial may bring to light some of Jackson’s best-kept secrets including who in fact fathered his children. In an effort to reveal the celebrity’s long pattern of bizarre behavior, the New York Post reports that AEG desires to reveal evidence that proves Prince and Paris are not Michael Jackson’s biological offspring. The company additionally claims that the 10-year-old boy known as Blanket does have genetic ties to the singer.

Upon hearing the news of this revelation, the Jackson family supposedly pleaded with the judge to not allow disclosure of this sensitive information. They argue that regardless of whether Jackson did or did not father the youngster’s remains irrelevant. The family contends that releasing the information to the public serves no purpose except to bring further pain to the family. AEG argues the truth concerning paternity carries much relevance to the case.

AEG Request Denied

Yvette Palazuelos, the judge presiding over the case, denied AEG’s request to present the evidence. However, the impending length of the trial may provide the company with the opportunity to admit information during later arguments. AEG insists that the company possesses concrete evidence that discloses the paternal identity of the eldest Jackson children. They also charge that while trying to protect Jackson’s reputation, the family purposely covered up the fact that the singer commonly consumed alcohol and that he had a strained relationship with family members.

MichaelJacksonChildren Lawsuit Could Reveal Who Michael Jackson Biologically Fathered

Blanket is Michael’s Only Child

It is no secret that Jackson’s nurse Debbie Rowe was the eldest children’s biological mother. However, the identity of Blanket’s mother remains shrouded in mystery, although sources claim she is a Hispanic woman living in California. For years, Jackson faced speculation as to the identity of the biological father of the children. Dermatologist Arnold Klein claimed paternity, as did Jackson’s bodyguard and martial arts instructor Matt Fiddes. Great Britain based former child star Mark Lester also claims that he may have fathered at least one of the children.

Upon Jackson’s death, Fiddes requested that he and Paris undergo DNA testing to prove his biological connection with the teen. Regardless of who fathered the children, Prince, Paris and Blanket continue offering glowing praises of the singer as a wonderful father. Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine and his three children are the parties initiating the lawsuit. Reports indicate that jury selection begins during the first week in April.

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Shakespeare 150x150 Shakespeare Sonnets Encoded in DNAWhile electronics engineers continually amaze consumers with technology that boasts more functions and greater memory capacity, researchers recently discovered a secret in nature that may revolutionize data storage. Using this natural wonder in space barely visible, scientists successfully stored the amount of information commonly held by approximately one million CDs. The wonderment capable of handling this vast amount of data is none other than deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA.

Researchers acknowledge that many secrets contained within DNA remain uncovered. These invisible components of life hold the information necessary for recreating every living thing on the planet. Scientists now believe that this common but miniscule genetic material may hold the key to storing the ever-growing amounts of data created in the current technological society.

The size of the DNA strand required for harboring the phenomenal quantity of information appeared only slightly visible when contained within a test tube. The data that scientists recorded onto the DNA included all of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets, a photograph, a complete scientific paper and a brief sound clip of one of Martin Luther King Mr.‘s speeches.

Researchers accomplished the feat by transforming a traditional binary code using the first four letters found in the nucleic bases of DNA. Adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine comprise DNA. With this knowledge, scientists took the A, C, G and T for their DNA code. The initial attempt entailed using the A and C for the binary 0 coded, and the G and T represented the 1 code. However, the men encountered complications when translating the data back into a binary code. Scientists then created a more sophisticated code that more closely resembled the variations often found in DNA.

The new code converts one byte of data into a five-letter word made from the four letters. Scientists then combined these words into strings containing 117 letters each. They then overlapped these sequences, making decoding more consistent. The new code proved 100 percent successful and accurate. The storing process merely requires placing the synthetically produced DNA in a cold, dark, dry environment for indefinite lengths of time. This method of storage may hold the possibility of protecting data for centuries.

Scientists uncovered the resilience of DNA after extracting the code from a mammoth encased in ice for over 60,000 years. The durability of this incredible natural technology makes DNA encoding virtually destruction proof. DNA may prove a viable means of protecting our entire culture and library for eons. Sequencing and translating methods may change over time, but the code that forms the basis of all life never varies.

The research team believes that the ramifications for data storage using DNA remain staggering. The men suspect that given the recent discovery, a mere 41 grams of DNA might ably protect one quadrillion bytes of information. Until scientists simplify the method, the process requires too many complexities for everyday use.

While some may fear that researchers may use this coding for turning humans or other living things into science fiction super spies, scientists reassuringly claim that that scenario remains unlikely. The coding process required for this technology prevents insertion into living DNA. Anyone interested in the uses for identifying human DNA should visit GTLDNA.com.

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PaternityTest 150x150 Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?The American Association of Blood Banks reports that laboratories perform over 300,000 paternity tests annually. This equates to laboratories receiving over 900,000 samples every year. The simplicity and relatively low cost of undergoing the tests account for the ever-increasing numbers of DNA tests performed.

Reasons for Paternity Testing

One of the most common reasons that individuals undergo a paternity test is to show proof of the identity for a biological father. Occasionally, a former female partner can confront a man claiming that he fathered the child through a brief intimate relationship. Men may suspect their female significant other of adultery and request a DNA paternity test in an attempt at determining the true heritage of a child. Similarly, grandparents may suspect promiscuity occurred and desire to verify their relationship to a child. Following the death of a parent, young adults may discover that the parent may not have had a biological tie and desire to learn their identity.

DNA Sample Collection Process

Anyone in need of DNA testing can order one to three test kits from a certified laboratory. Samples required for acquiring genetic material entails swabbing the inside of the cheek with a device that appears similar to a large cotton swab. Individuals then insert swabs into each individual container with the necessary information and send the kit back to the lab.

Depending on the facility, laboratories complete tests within one to six weeks. Individuals typically receive the test results by mail. If a court determination depends on the results of the test, they must purchase legally binding tests which require notarized signatures of the people chosen to serve as the witness or witnesses during the swabbing process.

FatherandBaby Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?

Distinguishing between Two Possible Fathers

Samples obtained from the mother, child and more than one man provide more than enough genetic information for proving the paternity of either man with 99.99 percent accuracy. When a test on two related men is required, test results may exhibit lower numbers compared to tests of two unrelated men. If the men are twins, there is no possibility of accurately identifying the father.

The DNA Testing Process

Each child receives 23 chromosomes from their mother and 23 chromosomes from their father. Each cell contains a combination of these chromosomes for a total of 23 chromosomes. DNA tests analyze the chromosomes of the mother, the chromosomes of the father and compare these sequences with samples obtained from the child.

The accuracy of the testing process varies between laboratories. Some only identify DNA using five chromosomal markers while others use 16. The more markers identified and used for comparison increases the accuracy of identification. Each parent contributes these 16 markers to the child. The DNA of the parent in question must have all 16 markers. Technicians then compare these markers with a large database for any other possible matches. Using the general population as a guide, the results indicate the probability that a particular man contributed the DNA found in the child.

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Violent crimes are among the most horrific events on Earth, but sometimes it gets even worse. The crime itself happens and then another person becomes victim to it. A person’s life can be destroyed or even taken from him or her if authorities accuse and charge the wrong person with the crime. To further compound the tragedy, the families of both the original victim and the person jailed under false accusations may not know that the real criminal is still at large. DNA testing can ultimately prove who is responsible for a given crime investigation.

RandolphA 300x218 Man Found Innocent After DNA Test Randolph Arledge was a victim of a false accusation, charge and conviction. In 1981, Carolyn Armstrong was found dead in Texas from dozens of stab wounds. Randolph was not even 30 years old at the time. Three years later, Randolph was sentenced to 99 years in prison for killing Armstrong. The problem is that he did not do it and there was evidence to prove that fact. He went on to spend 28 years of his 99-year sentence in jail for a crime he did not commit. In February 2013, Arledge was set free. Close to half of his life has been stolen from him, but he got the rest back thanks to modern DNA testing.

When Carolyn Armstrong was found, police also found her car down the road. Her vehicle contained DNA evidence but was useless at the time. Arledge is very lucky that police decided to keep the evidence, since they can usually be discarded in most cases. DNA testing was done more than a decade later and determined that another man was the killer. After a hearing, is when a local judge let Arledge go on bond until the conviction is officially overturned.

When Arledge went to jail, his two children were both under five years old. Currently, they are both adults who grew up without a father. The family is now reunited and Armstrong’s family has the satisfaction of knowing that police definitely have the right man this time. Sadly, that does not get back any of the time Randolph Arledge and his children lost.

It is uncertain just how many people have been incarcerated under wrongful convictions. DNA testing is too late to save hundreds or even thousands of them, but it is not too late to make sure that it happens much less often and never in cases where there is DNA evidence. With reliable companies making it easy for even civilians to get accurate DNA testing, there is no reason police and courts cannot offer the same.

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PrinceHarry 238x300 Prince Harry’s DNA Test to Detect “Ginger Gene” Prince Harry’s antics in Las Vegas last fall understandably enraged members of the royal family. Sowing a few wild oats may not have invoked such ire if Harry had taken care to ensure the event remained private. However, nude photos of the young prince and a bevy of hookers emerged to the delight of media personnel. The indiscretion soon reached the confines of England’s royal palace. Influenced by her board of advisors, the Queen herself supposedly demanded that Harry undergo DNA testing to determine if he was in fact the product of royal blood.

Lady Diana supposedly had an affair with a military officer by the name of James Hewitt. Many questioned whether the alliance produced the young prince. Like Harry, the gentleman dons red hair and fair skin covered in an array of freckles. According to reports, Prince Charles adamantly prohibited any DNA testing that questioned Harry’s heritage.

Prince Harry Test

In honor of the fun-loving royal, Britain’s DNA now offers couples the opportunity of determining the likelihood of producing a red-haired child. Couples interested in the possibility of passing the red hair trait along to offspring need merely submit a saliva sample for DNA testing. Technicians are able to identify the “ginger gene” by analyzing DNA samples. Dr. Jim Wilson, one of the company’s employees explains that having a child with red hair requires carrying one of three variations of the MC1R gene.

If both parents carry the gene variation, they have a 25 percent possibility of having children with red hair regardless of the hair color of the parents. Passed on from one generation to the next, statistics estimate that four out of every 10 people carry the variation. The company plans to offer the “Who Do You Think You Are?” test during a live exhibition at the London Olympia in February.

RedHeadGene 300x187 Prince Harry’s DNA Test to Detect “Ginger Gene”
Questions Answered by DNA Testing

While DNA testing has long been used for determining paternity, evaluating genetic markers provides a variety of information ranging from ancestry to disease predisposition. Analyzing samples supplied by individuals, technicians successfully separate genetic information donated by each parent. Using worldwide databases, laboratory technicians have the ability of determining the point of origin of genetic material spanning back many generations.

Modern DNA testing identifies when individual’s carry genetic markers associated with over two dozen known medical conditions. Genetic information reveals if individuals carry markers associated with aging processes that might include Alzheimer’s or macular degeneration. Testing also indicates when someone has a likelihood of developing seven different types of cancers. The test might additionally determine the possibility of experiencing cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Using this information, patients and physicians may formulate preventative treatments.

Predisposition testing requires that individuals submit the necessary sample in the office of a health care provider. Individuals may submit DNA samples for ancestry or paternity evaluation from the privacy of their home. After purchasing a test kit, clients merely follow the instructions for acquiring the necessary sample, which generally only entails swabbing the inside of the mouth. Once received by the testing laboratory, technicians perform the desired test and send the results back to the client.

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Scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered quadruple helix DNA in human cancer cells. The result of a decade of research, the study published in Nature Chemistry may spawn new leads in the fight against cancer.

Normal DNA consists of the well-known double helix. The helices are made up of molecules called nucleotides. In a double helix, the nucleotides make up two ladder-like rails connected by rungs of more nucleotides. A quadruple helix has four rails in a square configuration with fractured rungs. They are also known to contain higher than usual amounts of the nucleotide guanine. Quadruplex structures have long been observed in laboratory settings. For the last twenty years, they have been known to grow in test tube experiments. However, the Cambridge study marks the first time they have ever been observed in living, human tissue.

DNA Quadruple Helix 300x229 Quadruple Helix DNA Found In Human Cells, May Aid Cancer Fight

In order to isolate these strange structures, the Cambridge scientists used an antibody attracted to the nucleotide guanine. By attaching a fluorescent bio marker to the antibody, scientists were able to isolate cancer cells with abnormal quantities of guanine. They then used a special compound to effectively “freeze” the quadruplexes in place for study. They discovered that quadruplexes only seem to appear when a cancer cell is about to divide. This may be a key insight into the dysfunction that causes cancer form and grow in healthy tissue.

The study theorizes that a similar method of antibodies and bio markers could be used to target cancer during cell division. By attacking the quadruplexes, it might be possible to halt the spread of cancer. Years of theorizing and working off of hypothetical models went into the Cambridge study. Synthetic experiments done on lab-grown quadruplexes preceded the experiment on human tissue. Dr. Julie Sharp with Cancer Research UK says the next step will be developing a similar methodology to find quadruplexes in tumors.

Cancer research has come a long way in the last twenty years. New techniques are being designed to target only cancer-affected areas, and testing for genetic predisposition has given people the tools to take precautions. This new research is another enormous step in the quest for a cure. Research supervisor Shankar Balasubramanian expressed hope that pharmaceutical companies would take the quadruplex discovery and run with it. However, he stressed that the function of quadruplexes is not yet understood. It is possible they evolved for a function.

DNA Testing GTL DNA 300x205 Quadruple Helix DNA Found In Human Cells, May Aid Cancer Fight

“It’s a philosophical question as to whether they are there by design or not,” Balasubramanian said, “but they exist and nature has to deal with them. Maybe by targeting them we are contributing to the disruption they cause.”

Many are still skeptical if targeting quadruplexes is a viable form of treatment or not, the research has provided extraordinary insight into the growth of cancer. While the world awaits a true cure, advancements in precautionary steps and treatments continue. Every step makes the future a little brighter.

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Recent media coverage has enclosed that Kim Kardashian is pregnant. Many onlookers are now wondering if Kardashian’s boyfriend Kanye West will demand a paternity test. Other skeptics suggest that West will demand that Kim takes a paternity test in order to prove that the child she is carrying is definitely his. Paternity testing has become a ubiquitous part of 2013, especially after the death of NFL star Jovan Belcher.  However, this does not seem to be the case for “Kimye” – not yet at least.

Kim Kardashian Kanye West Baby   Kim Kardashian Pregnant! Will Kanye West Demand A Paternity Test?
Of course, this isn’t the first bit of drama that the young model and has been involved with. We all witnessed her short-lived marriage to Kris Humphries, which lasted just 72 days before the starlet filed for divorce. In fact, the two are technically still  married in the state of California.

Still, Kim Kardashian has been vocal that she is not the only person who is expecting a child. In an announcement to the press she told readers of her blog that she and Kanye are expecting a baby. The socialite seemed excited for the prospect of her future, even though she and Kanye have only been dating for a short time.

Undoubtedly, this recent turn of events will add fuel to Kris Humphries’ fire. He claims that Kim married him simply to promote her brand and get television ratings, and the speed with which his ex bride has moved on would seem to support this idea. Humphries and Kardashian will head back to the courtroom in February 2013 to hash things out, and Kim better hope her ex will play ball. However, experts suggest that basketball star Kris Humphries will still be married until the end of June, which gives him time to play with the team on the court.

Rumors are swirling that Kim Kardashian is putting the heat on her own lawyers to wrap things up as quickly as possible, but while she’s feeling the heat from playing with fire, Kanye West doesn’t seem perturbed at this unexpected pregnancy. Kanye and Kim happily celebrated their good news with their families as the beginning of the year. Kanye’s father and Kim’s mother both made appearances, while Kim’s siblings congratulated them on Twitter.

kim and kanye on new years  Kim Kardashian Pregnant! Will Kanye West Demand A Paternity Test?

Few people think she and Kanye are ready to tie the knot. Given her estrangement from Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian would likely list Kanye as the father of her baby, which is expected in early June. Signing the paperwork would list Kanye as the legal, as well as biological father, of Kim’s baby. However, only time will tell if how Mr. West feels about a paternity test.

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