Skip to content
Congress·In Committee·4 months ago

Congress would require HHS to promote father involvement to improve pregnancy and postpartum health

Also known as: Dads Matter Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(2)
Pregnant
Neutral
Medicaid
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Child Tax Credit
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would require the Health Department to run a national public awareness campaign on why dads’ involvement matters during pregnancy, birth, and the months after.
  • The campaign would share tips and information for the public, including how fathers can support prenatal visits, breastfeeding, safe sleep, and spotting warning signs like high blood pressure or pregnancy-related mental health issues.
  • Within 1 year of the law taking effect, the Health Department would send states guidance on how hospitals and other maternity care providers can train staff to better include fathers.
  • The guidance also encourages screening fathers for depression and connecting them to treatment, aiming to support healthier families and child development.
  • A federal watchdog would study how well the law worked and report back to Congress within 6 years of the law taking effect.
HealthcareEducation

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Oct 24, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Oct 24, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 1 year after the bill is enacted

HHS issues guidance to states on how to encourage and incentivize maternity providers and health plans to train staff on father inclusion.

States and healthcare systems may start updating prenatal/postpartum programs (like inviting fathers into visits, education on warning signs, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, and screening dads for depression).

Within 2 years after the bill is enacted

HHS launches a national public awareness campaign about the benefits of father inclusion during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Expect to see messages and resources aimed at dads and families (appointments, warning signs, safe sleep, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding support). This can change what families are encouraged to do during prenatal care and after delivery.

Within 6 years after the bill is enacted

GAO studies the act’s effectiveness and sends a report to Congress.

Results could push Congress or HHS to expand, change, or end the campaign/guidance approach depending on what works. People might see updated recommendations or new follow-up programs after the report.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Dads Matter Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 5828
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
D: 1R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.