In this episode, a couple, Ms. Whittier and Mr. Reed, are in a dispute over the paternity of their son, Lukas, who has albinism. Ms. Whittier is certain that Mr. Reed is the father, but Mr. Reed has doubts due to the child’s condition.
The couple moved in together in mid-September, and they found out they were pregnant in the first week of November. Mr. Reed was ecstatic about becoming a father, but his joy was short-lived when he noticed that Lukas had physical features that differed from his own. Lukas was born with albinism, a condition that neither parent has. This led Mr. Reed to question whether he was Lukas’s biological father.
Ms. Whittier, on the other hand, is certain that Mr. Reed is Lukas’s father. She believes that if it weren’t for the paternity issue, they would be moving forward with their lives. She states, “I think we would be married, moving on with our lives, getting away from the conflict that constantly drags our family down. Really, and that conflict is all based upon a paternity issue.”
Mr. Reed expresses his emotional turmoil, saying, “Every time I look at Lukas, I am haunted by the doubts that I am not his biological father.” He also recalls the moment of Lukas’s birth, saying, “I cut the umbilical cord, Your Honor. I held one leg and folded her up, my mum had the other one and she pushed and the baby came out. And I instantly cried, as soon as… He cried more than I did. I lost it and I held him in my arms. That is my world right there. That’s my boy. I’d do anything for him.”
The episode also features an expert witness, Ms. Lowery, who explains that albinism is passed genetically from the parents to the child. But depending on which gene is affected depends on whether both parents or one parent passes it.
In the end, a DNA test is conducted to determine the paternity of Lukas. The results reveal that Mr. Reed is indeed the biological father. Despite the emotional turmoil, the family decides to move forward, with Judge Lake advising, “I want you all to move forward, I want you all to leave the past in the past. We have counseling and resources for you, because this is what’s going to best serve Lukas, in the long run, is for you all to stay together, for your family unit to be together, and for him to have the love and support along his journey.”
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and emotional turmoil that can arise from uncertain paternity situations. It also highlights the importance of honesty and responsibility in these circumstances.
