Dads Matter Act of 2024

The Dads Matter Act of 2024 requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to launch a public awareness campaign within two years to highlight how father involvement improves maternal and infant health outcomes during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It also mandates HHS to issue state guidance within one year, instructing healthcare providers (like hospitals and insurers) to train staff on engaging fathers and providing resources on topics such as prenatal care, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, and screening fathers for depression. The bill aims to address barriers to father participation, including cultural norms, and requires states to encourage providers to adopt these practices. A separate provision directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the bill's effectiveness and report to Congress six years after enactment.