[Avodah] establishing mamzerut

[Dr. Josh Backon]

The topic of using scientific tests in general (and blood tests
in particular) to determine halacha is discussed in the Nishmat
Avraham EVEN HA'EZER 4 Alef (4 page detailed discussion).

The Tzitz Eliezer XIII 104 says these blood tests have no relevance
in halacha. RSZA z"l was more cautious and suggested that one may
rely on these tests as ancillary material ["k'snif l'diyun'}. BTW
he quotes Aishdas chaver R. Dov Frimer who stated that Rav Auerbach
meant that these tests aren't to determine absolute paternity. Those
that invalidated thee blood tests of paternity include: Rav Uzziel,
the Dvar Yehoshua, Meshaneh Halachot, and the Divrei Yisrael.

However, the Nishmat Avraham does quote an article in the medico-halachic
journal ASSIA that there were poskim who did accept blood tests to determine
paternity.

KT

Josh