The Dads Matter Act of 2024 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to launch a public awareness campaign within two years highlighting the importance of father involvement during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The campaign will educate the public about how engaged fathers can improve maternal health outcomes, reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, support successful breastfeeding, and promote infant health and development. Additionally, the bill requires the HHS Secretary to issue guidance to states within one year on how to encourage and train healthcare providers to include and engage fathers in maternity care, including information on screening fathers for depression and addressing cultural beliefs about fatherhood. The legislation does not specify dedicated federal funding but requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the effectiveness of the Act's initiatives within six years of enactment.
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