Addressing policy barriers to paternal involvement during pregnancy
Amina P Alio1, M Jermane Bond, Yolanda C Padilla
1Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 644, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. amina_alio@URMC.Rochester.edu
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|April 8, 2011
Summary
Paternal involvement significantly impacts infant mortality by supporting maternal well-being and resource access. Addressing social barriers and implementing policy changes can foster greater father engagement during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Infant mortality reduction efforts in the US overlook paternal involvement.
- Paternal involvement is linked to child development and maternal well-being, affecting infant mortality.
- Systemic barriers to father involvement during pregnancy are under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify social barriers to paternal involvement during pregnancy.
- To outline policy priorities for fostering paternal involvement.
- To summarize key recommendations from the Commission on Paternal Involvement in Pregnancy Outcomes (CPIPO).
Main Methods:
- Review of research on paternal involvement and infant mortality.
- Identification of social barriers by the CPIPO.
- Development of policy recommendations.
Main Results:
- Key social barriers to paternal involvement were identified.
- Policy priorities include equitable paternity leave and eliminating marriage penalties.
- Recommendations focus on integrating fatherhood initiatives and supporting low-income fathers.
Conclusions:
- Addressing systemic barriers is crucial for increasing paternal involvement.
- Policy changes can enhance father engagement and potentially reduce infant mortality.
- Inclusion of father information in birth data collection is recommended.
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