The Dads Matter Act of 2024 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to launch a national public awareness campaign within two years to educate the public about the importance of father involvement during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The campaign will highlight how engaged fathers improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies, including increased prenatal care attendance, better breastfeeding success, reduced postpartum depression, and lower infant mortality rates. Within one year, the legislation also requires HHS to issue guidance to states on how healthcare providers and insurance companies can train medical professionals to encourage and support father involvement in maternity care. The guidance will address cultural beliefs about fatherhood and provide recommendations for healthcare practitioners to educate fathers about pregnancy complications, safe infant care, mental health, and child development. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the campaign's effectiveness within six years to assess whether increased father engagement has improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
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