Right for equal parentage

There are 13 million estimated number of single parents across the nation.(Census Bureau, 2011) While it was studied that 17.8% of custodial parents (approximately 1 in 6) are fathers. Did you know that children without a fathers in their lives are far greater than any other child to be at risk for teen pregnancy, drug use, and or mental health issues (anxiety, depression, emotional disorders). Researchers have studied and concluded that children are 63% more likely to commit suicide in fatherless homes (Bureau of Census, 2017). A study conducted by sociologist has shown that 72 % of adolescent murderers have grown up in homes with an absentee father figure (Cornell [et al.], 2017). Lastly, child abuse is significantly more likely to occur in homes without stable father figures (Census Bureau, 2011)
For many children, the fight is out of their hands. They never had a chance to even bond with their father. If the father is to fight for their child, they are left to fend for themselves. The father must declare in written English why they are the best qualified individual to care for their own child. At which point a judge will then read and “to their best ability, objectively decide who the best parent may be to obtain majority parentage”. I don’t know about you, but this sounds ridiculous! Imagine if some stranger told you to “build a resume” as to why you should maintain parentage of your children. Then for them to “best decide” if you are up to a challenge, regardless of what you say after they have read your declaration. It’s one hurdle after another. It’s said, parenting must remain in the best interest of the child. I ask, how is putting unnecessary strain on a hard-working father in the best interest of the child. The reality is men are being forced out of their own families or what’s left of a family after an already defeated cohort.