Panama’s National Assembly has approved a bill that would classify intentional paternity fraud as a criminal offense under the country’s Penal Code, introducing prison sentences, fines, and enhanced penalties in certain cases.
The proposal, known as Bill No. 510, passed its third debate and seeks to establish legal consequences for individuals who deliberately mislead a man into recognizing and supporting a child who is not biologically his.
Under the bill, paternity fraud would carry a penalty of two to five years in prison, along with fines ranging from 100 to 500 day-fines. The legislation also includes harsher penalties when aggravating circumstances are present.
Photos by Iván Castillo
The proposed penalties could increase by one-third to one-half if the deception continues for more than five years, involves two or more children, or results in repeated financial gain.
According to the bill’s sponsor, legislator Jairo Salazar, Panama previously lacked a specific legal framework to directly address cases of paternity fraud.
The bill defines the offense as intentionally deceiving a man into acknowledging a child as his own through fraud or the deliberate concealment of the truth, resulting in legal, financial, property-related, and personal consequences.
During legislative discussions, lawmakers emphasized that paternity fraud should not be confused with a standard paternity challenge. They argued that the proposal specifically targets cases involving intentional deception rather than disputes arising from uncertainty over biological parentage.
Supporters of the measure say the bill is intended to serve as a deterrent and provide legal remedies in situations where deliberate misrepresentation leads to significant emotional and financial consequences.
Having passed its third debate in the National Assembly, the bill marks a significant step in Panama’s efforts to address intentional paternity fraud through criminal law. However, the measure must still complete the remaining legal steps before it can officially take effect.
Source: Panama National Assembly.
https://asamblea.gob.pa/Noticias/Actualidad/TIPIFICARAN-FRAUDE-DE-PATERNIDAD-CON-AUMENTO-POR-AGRAVANTES–
