Senators Marshall, Warnock, & Gallego Introduce Legislation Promoting Fatherhood Engagement

Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) introduced The Dads Matter Act of 2025, which would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness about father inclusion and engagement and to provide state-level guidance aimed at strengthening the role of fathers in supporting healthy mothers and babies.

“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.”

“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.” 

“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 Dads Matter Act of 2025 would also direct HHS to issue guidance to states to incentivize maternity care providers to offer training and education to health care professionals about the benefits of including and engaging fathers in the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum process. Additionally, it would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to Congress that describes the results and effectiveness of this legislation. 

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