June 27, 2006

            LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox's arguments in the case of Dubay v Wells, Thomas and Cox, often described as "Roe v Wade for Men," will be heard tomorrow in the United States District Court at Bay City.  The lawsuit filed by Matthew Dubay claims that Michigan's paternity law is unconstitutional because the father is compelled to pay child support even if he did not want the child to be born. 

            "The issues of child support and parental responsibility cut to the very core of our social fabric.  Will Michigan become the state where parents can opt out of support if they don't want a child?  Not on my watch.  We need to foster our sense of familial and personal responsibility, not make it easier to avoid.  We must also protect Michigan's taxpayers, who too often end up footing the bill for parents who choose not to be responsible for the children they bring into this world." 

            "One of the responsibilities of my office is to defend the constitutionality of state laws," said Cox. "Parents have an obligation to support their children.  This is not some abstract, arcane theory.  This is a child, and a child deserves and by law is entitled to support."

            Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas, one of the named defendants in the case, welcomed the Attorney General into the case.  "The importance that Mike Cox places on child support and his commitment, personally and professionally, to this issue are well known throughout Michigan.  We welcome his participation in this case."

            Both defendants have been served with copies of the lawsuit.  Their responses are expected to be filed shortly.

            Since taking office in 2003, Attorney General Cox has made it a top priority to enforce Michigan's felony non-support laws and raise the awareness of the problem unpaid child support causes to children in the State of Michigan.  To date, $26,288,069.01 in unpaid child support has been collected, helping approximately 3,030 children.

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