U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) have introduced the Dads Matter Act of 2025, a bill aimed at increasing father involvement in maternal and child health. The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promote awareness about the importance of fathers’ participation and provide guidance to states on how to strengthen fathers' roles in supporting mothers and babies.
Senator Marshall, who has worked as an OBGYN for over 25 years, highlighted the impact of supportive family structures on health outcomes. “As an OBGYN for more than 25 years, I know firsthand the challenges facing mothers, and how important a stable support system can be to both pediatric and maternal health outcomes,” said Senator Marshall. “Fathers play such a critical role in their households, and I am proud to support legislation that champions their role as providers, spouses, and caregivers.”
Senator Warnock addressed Georgia’s high maternal mortality rate as part of his reasoning for supporting the bill. “Georgia’s maternal mortality rate is a crisis that we must address with every tool at our disposal. That includes redoubling our efforts to uplift the role of fathers in keeping their family healthy during pregnancy and early childhood,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Now is the time to spread awareness about the critical role of fathers in improving maternal health outcomes and creating thriving families and communities.”
Senator Gallego pointed out similar concerns in Arizona regarding pregnancy-related deaths among women. “Too many women in Arizona die from pregnancy-related causes. This bill helps reverse this trend by recognizing that engaged fathers are part of the solution,” said Senator Gallego. When dads show up, maternal health outcomes are better, babies are healthier, and families are stronger.”
The proposed legislation would also instruct HHS to encourage maternity care providers to train healthcare professionals on involving fathers throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. In addition, it calls for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report back to Congress on how effective these measures prove after implementation.
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