Women in Germany could be forced to reveal the names of the biological fathers of their children under a proposed new law.

The controversial measure will force women to divulge acts of adultery or infidelity during a relationship.

It has already been dubbed the “Cuckoo Kids’ Law” by the German press, after the German phrase for children concieved in adultery, Kuckuckskindern — the equivalent of “milkmen’s kids” in English.

Heiko Maas, the justice minister, said the law, which will be presented to Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday, would make it easier to resolve who was responsible for paying child support.