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Bill > HB1484


MS HB1484

MS HB1484
Fatherhood Engagement in Maternal Health Act; create.


summary

Introduced
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Be Known As The "fatherhood Engagement In Maternal Health Act"; To Make Legislative Findings That Fatherhood Engagement Can Play An Important Role In Improving Maternal Health Care, Addressing Maternal Mortality And Morbidity And Bettering The Development And Long-term Growth Of A Child; To Direct The State Department Of Health To Conduct A Public Awareness Campaign To Increase The Understanding Of Fatherhood Engagement In Improving Overall Health Outcomes During Pregnancy, Childbirth And Postpartum For Both The Mother And Baby; To Direct The Department To Post Materials On The Department's Publicly Accessible Internet Website That Address How A Provider Of Maternity Care, Including A Hospital, Health Care Facility, Birth Center, Or Health Care Practitioner Can Provide Training And Education To A Health Care Practitioner About The Benefits Of Fatherhood Engagement In Improving Overall Health Outcomes During Pregnancy, Childbirth And Postpartum For Both The Mother And Baby; To Require The Department To Encourage And Promote The Inclusion Of Paternal Depression Screening By Providers Of Maternity Care As Part Of Care Provided During Pregnancy, Childbirth And Postpartum For Both The Mother And Baby; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Fatherhood Engagement in Maternal Health Act," establishes that a father's involvement is crucial for improving maternal health, reducing maternal mortality and morbidity (illness or abnormal condition), and promoting a child's healthy development. To achieve this, the State Department of Health is directed to launch a public awareness campaign to educate people about the importance of fatherhood engagement during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period for both the mother and baby. Additionally, the department will post resources on its website to guide maternity care providers, such as hospitals and healthcare practitioners, on how to train their staff about the benefits of involving fathers. The bill also mandates that the department encourage and promote the screening of fathers for depression by maternity care providers during these critical stages of care.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

bill text


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