Michigan is giving a father two choices -- continue paying off the $3,800 medical cost of his daughter's birth or marry the girl's mother.

Gary Johnson and partner Rebecca Witt say they want to marry, but don't want a shotgun wedding.

Five years ago, the Michigan Legislature amended the state's paternity act to waive birthing costs for a father, if he married the child's mother.

Genesee County Friend of the Court Jack Battles told The Flint Journal the law is an incentive to maintain the sanctity of marriage.

The bills involve the birth of the couple's 4-year-old daughter JaeLyn. Witt was on Medicare at the time. Johnson earns $8 an hour.

source: wnem.com

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