A non-paternity event, also known as NPE, is a term used in genetic genealogy to describe any event that has caused a break in the link between a hereditary surname and the Y-chromosome, resulting in a child using a different surname from that of their biological parent.[1][2] NPEs can be a surprising and sometimes scandalous discovery in genealogy research. These events refer to instances where a person's presumed father is not their biological father, which can have significant implications for family history and lineage.
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Origins and terminology of non-paternity events
The term non-paternity event was first used in a study, published in 2000, examining the surname "Skyes" and the Y-chromosome haplotype to determine if males of non-Skye origin had been introduced into the family line.[3] Misattributed paternity takes place when a child is believed to have been fathered by the spouse, but is actually the child of another man.[4] Misattributed paternity,[1] paternal discrepancy, or false paternity are alternative terms that are used to describe non-paternity events. While the term "paternity fraud" is occasionally used, it may imply intentional misattribution rather than an unintentional occurrence.[5]
Causes of a non-paternity event
There can be various reasons for the occurrence of non-paternity events, including:
- Infidelity: A woman may have a child with a man other than her spouse, either intentionally or unintentionally.
- Undisclosed adoption: A child may be adopted and raised by a family without the knowledge of their biological parentage being communicated to the child and other family members.
- Sperm donation: A couple may use donor sperm to conceive a child, either due to infertility or other reasons.
- Heteropaternal superfecundation: This rare occurrence happens when a woman conceives non-identical twins with two different fathers, usually as a result of having sexual relations with multiple partners within a short time frame. One study[6] estimated that the incidence of bi-paternal twins born to white women in the United States is around one pair in 400.
- Medical mistakes: Errors during procedures such as in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination can lead to the misattribution of paternity.[3]
Implications of a non-paternity event for genealogy
The discovery of a non-paternity event can have significant implications for family history research and genealogy: it can alter the understanding of the ancestry, lineage, and heritage of a person, as well as potentially reveal previously unknown relatives or family connections. In some cases, it may also lead to the reevaluation of family stories, traditions, and beliefs.
Genetic testing and non-paternity events
With the advent of genetic testing and DNA analysis, it has become increasingly easier to identify non-paternity events in family trees. Genetic genealogy tests, such as Y-DNA testing, can help trace paternal ancestry and identify potential NPEs by comparing the Y-chromosome markers of tested individuals with those of their presumed male relatives. If there is a significant discrepancy between the markers, it may indicate a non-paternity event has occurred.
Mitigating the emotional impact of non-paternity event discoveries
The discovery of a non-paternity event can be emotionally challenging for individuals and families, as it may bring up feelings of betrayal, confusion, and grief. It is essential to approach these discoveries with sensitivity and empathy, recognizing that each person's experience and reaction may be different. Some individuals may choose to seek support from professional counselors, therapists, or support groups to help process the emotional impact of an NPE discovery. See also: How to deal with unwelcome family history discoveries
Historical examples of non-paternity events
Throughout history, there have been numerous cases of non-paternity events that have shaped the lives of individuals and families. Some of these instances have even had significant implications for societies and dynasties. Here are a few notable examples:
- Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: One of the most famous cases of an NPE in American history is the relationship between Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, and his slave Sally Hemings. DNA testing conducted in 1998 confirmed the long-held belief that Jefferson fathered at least one child with Hemings, Eston Hemings Jefferson, a shocking revelation has prompted ongoing discussions about the complexities of race, power, and family dynamics in early American history.[7]
- The Princes in the Tower: In 1483, two young princes, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, disappeared from the Tower of London. Many historians believe that they were murdered by their uncle, Richard III, to secure his claim to the English throne. However, some theories suggest that the boys may have been the results of a non-paternity event, with their true paternity hidden to protect their legitimacy as heirs to the throne.[8]
- The Romanov Family: The Russian royal family, the Romanovs, were executed in 1918 during the Russian Revolution. Rumors persisted for decades that one or more of the children survived, including the Great Duchess Anastasia and the tsarevich Alexei. In 2007, DNA testing confirmed the remains of all seven family members, effectively ending speculation about any potential NPEs within the royal lineage.[9]
- King Charles II of Spain: Born in 1661, King Charles II of Spain was the product of generations of royal inbreeding. His genetic disorders and physical disabilities led to suspicions that he might not be the legitimate son of King Philip IV. Although no DNA testing has been conducted to confirm or refute these claims, Charles II's case highlights the potential consequences of NPEs within royal families and their impact on historical events.[10]
These historical examples demonstrate the far-reaching effects that NPEs can have on individuals, families, and even entire societies. As genealogical research and DNA testing continue to advance, more instances of NPEs may come to light, further illuminating the complexities of human relationships and history.
See also
Explore more
- The MyHeritage DNA test
- Inheritance and Family Secrets with Dani Shapiro: MyHeritage Facebook Live session with bestselling author Dani Shapiro on the discovery that she was the result of a non-paternity event.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Estes, Roberta. Concepts: What are NPEs and MPEs?
- ↑ Non-paternity event. International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sykes, B.; Irven, C. Surnames and the Y chromosome. Am J Hum Genet. April 2000. 66(4):1417-9. doi: 10.1086/302850
- ↑ Bellis, M.; Hughes, K. ; Hughes, S; Ashton, J. Measuring paternal discrepancy and its public health consequences. J Epidemiol Community Health. September 2005. 59(9): 749–754.
- ↑ Anderson, Kermyt G.How Well Does Paternity Confidence Match Actual Paternity?. Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma
- ↑ James, WH (1993), The incidence of superfecundation and of double paternity in the general population. Acta Geneticae Medicae et Gemellologiae, 42 (3–4): 257–62, doi:10.1017/s0001566000003263
- ↑ Foster, E. A., Jobling, M. A., Taylor, P. G., Donnelly, P., de Knijff, P., Mieremet, R., ... & Tyler-Smith, C. (1998). Jefferson fathered slave's last child. Nature, 396(6706), 27-28
- ↑ Weir, A. (2013). The Princes in the Tower. Random House.
- ↑ Coble, M. D., Loreille, O. M., Wadhams, M. J., Edson, S. M., Maynard, K., Meyer, C. E., ... & Parsons, T. J. (2009). Mystery solved: the identification of the two missing Romanov children using DNA analysis. PloS one, 4(3), e4838
- ↑ Gonzalo, M. Á., & López, A. (2017). The genetic legacy of Charles II of Spain: a study of abnormal genetic loads in the Habsburg lineage. Annals of Human Biology, 44(2), 105-113.