DNA test in the maternity hospital: 68% of Russians are ready to take it, but 61% will not abandon a "strange" child.

      The All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM) surveyed 1.6 thousand Russians on April 8, 2026, about their attitudes towards the possible introduction of DNA testing for paternity in maternity hospitals. The results show a divide between pragmatism and family values.

      The idea of conducting the test immediately after the child's birth (with parental consent) is viewed positively by 52% of respondents. Negatively by 16%, and another 25% are indifferent. Men support the test more often (57% compared to 48% of women), as well as those who do not yet have children (58% compared to 50% among parents).

      Among the opponents of the initiative, the most common arguments are "a way to avoid deception" (43%) and "legal protection" (37%). This means that even those who disagree recognize the utilitarian value of the procedure but do not want its implementation for various reasons.

      When asked, "Would you personally agree?" 68% answered affirmatively (49% - yes, 19% - rather yes). Here, the difference between men and women disappears: both genders have 49% firm agreement. However, willingness decreases with age: among the youngest generation (born in 2001 and later), 43% firmly agree, while among the oldest (born before 1947) - 37%.

      If the DNA test confirms paternity, 42% of Russians believe that its implementation will not affect the relationship in the couple. Another 31% think it will strengthen it, and 11% believe it will weaken it. Moreover, men more often see the test as a strengthening factor (38% compared to 24% among women).

      The most telling result is the response to the question about a hypothetical situation where a man learns years later that the child is not his biological child.

      61% (including 60% of men and 63% of women) believe he should continue raising the child. 11% insist on ending the relationship (16% among men, 7% among women). The rest found it difficult to answer.

      Young people (under 24) are more principled on the issue of blood relations: 17% advocate for breaking off relationships with a "foreign" child. Among Russians over 55, only 4-7% feel this way. At the same time, 73-74% of older generations express support for continuing to raise the child — significantly more than among young people (41-59% depending on age).

      The authors of the study summarize their conclusion as follows: "The DNA test is a search for truth, justified only at the starting point, before a man immerses himself in parenthood. If the truth emerges later, years later, it is no longer so important — the cost of the break becomes too high."