Whereas a father is a supporting partner in a child’s development as well as during the preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods; Whereas we recognize the importance of supporting families regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity of either the supporting partner or birthing partner is key; Whereas increased father engagement can play an important role in— (1) improving maternal health and maternal mental health care; and (2) addressing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in the United States and globally; Whereas racial disparities in maternal and infant health in the United States have persisted for decades despite continued advancements in health care; Whereas the maternal mortality rate in the United States has for many years exceeded that of other high-income countries and continues to disproportionally affect minority women; Whereas these disparities have lasting impacts on the lives of the fathers and children; Whereas research has found that supporting families holistically, actively including and engaging fathers in all aspects of maternal health care, from preconception through pregnancy and the first year postpartum can positively impact short- and long-term health outcomes, improving— (1) pregnancy and postpartum health—when fathers are involved and engaged, mothers are— (A) more likely to receive early and regular prenatal care; (B) at reduced risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD); (C) less likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs; (D) more likely to eat well and take recommended vitamin/mineral supplements; (E) more likely to follow physician’s recommendations; less likely to experience complications during pregnancy and labor; and (F) more likely to have a healthy, safe birth, and more likely to succeed at breastfeeding; (2) a baby’s health at birth including— (A) a healthy birth weight; (B) lowered risk of a birth defect; (C) lowered risk of extended NICU care; and (D) lowered risk of short- and long-term disability