Dads Matter Act of 2025

The Dads Matter Act of 2025 would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undertake a federal public awareness campaign within two years to emphasize the importance of father involvement in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The campaign would promote the positive impact of fathers on maternal and infant health, counter narratives that downplay fathers’ roles, and provide information on skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding support, paternal mental health, and recognizing pregnancy-related health issues. The bill also directs HHS to issue guidance to states within one year to encourage health-care providers to include and engage fathers, offer male-focused education and peer support, screen for paternal depression, and address cultural beliefs about fatherhood. Finally, the Comptroller General would study the act’s effectiveness and report to Congress within six years. The speakers listed indicate bipartisan interest, though the sponsor line shows “Unknown,” with initial introduction in the Senate by Senators Warnock, Marshall, and Gallego, status Introduced.