Why is it important to establish parentage in Vermont?

From the Department of Children and Families in Vermont

Why is it important to establish parentage?

Finances: Children need and have the legal right to receive child support; parentage must be legally established in order to receive it.
Health: Children need and have the right to know their family’s medical history. In addition, it might be possible to obtain health insurance for a child through the father’s employer, union, or military service.
Survivor Benefits: If the father dies before parentage is legally established, children may not qualify for certain benefits that would otherwise legally pass on to them (e.g., Social Security, pension, inheritance rights, veterans’ benefits, and life insurance).
Identity: Children have the right to know who their parents are.