Joco Today

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) collaborated with Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) to introduce The Dads Matter Act of 2025. This proposed legislation aims to direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promote father inclusion and engagement, providing state-level guidance to enhance the role of fathers in supporting maternal and child health.

Senator Marshall, drawing on his experience as an OBGYN for over 25 years, emphasized the significance of a stable support system for mothers. "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," he stated.

Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted Georgia's maternal mortality crisis and stressed the importance of involving fathers in family health during pregnancy and early childhood. He remarked, "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 Arizona's challenges with pregnancy-related fatalities among women. He asserted that engaged fathers contribute positively to maternal health outcomes: "When dads show up, maternal health outcomes are better, babies are healthier, and families are stronger."

The Dads Matter Act of 2025 also mandates HHS to encourage states to train maternity care providers on engaging fathers throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum stages. Furthermore, it requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the legislation's results and effectiveness to Congress.