4Kira4Moms brings dads' maternal health advocacy to Capitol Hill

4Kira4Moms will host its third annual “Dads Got Something to Say!” advocacy day on June 10 in Washington, D.C., bringing fathers, families, clinicians and policymakers together to push on maternal mortality and health equity. The event comes as federal funding tied to the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the Kira Johnson Act tops $36 million to date.

Why it matters: - The event is designed to put fathers and non-birthing parents in the maternal health policy conversation. - Organizers say broader family engagement can help improve outcomes for mothers and babies and strengthen efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths. - The advocacy day lands as federal investment in community-based perinatal health programs continues to grow.

What happened: - 4Kira4Moms, through its 4Kira4Dads initiative, will host the 3rd Annual “Dads Got Something to Say!” Advocacy Day on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C. - Healthy Moms Healthy Babies is sponsoring the event. - The gathering will bring together fathers, families, clinicians and policymakers. - Participants will meet with federal leaders working on maternal and family policy.

The details: - The program will spotlight the voices and lived experiences of fathers and non-birthing parents as part of the maternal care team. - The event schedule includes a congressional press briefing from 11 a.m. to noon. - Representative Nikema Williams and the Black Maternal Health Caucus are sponsoring the briefing. - A lunch and conversation session with community advocates and legislators will run from noon to 1 p.m. - Speakers include Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, Stacey Brayboy of March of Dimes, Ashley Michele of Mothering Justice, Charles Johnson of 4Kira4Moms and Gabrielle “Gabby” Albert of 4Kira4Moms. - The event is free and open to the public. - Registration is available here. - 4Kira4Moms describes itself as a national nonprofit focused on improving maternal health outcomes and ending preventable maternal mortality. - 4Kira4Dads is the group’s initiative focused on empowering fathers and non-birthing partners to advocate for maternal health.

Between the lines: - The advocacy day ties family engagement to a broader policy push around maternal health equity. - Charles Johnson said the country is facing a maternal health crisis driven by preventable complications during childbirth. - Olivia Walton of Healthy Moms Healthy Babies America said research shows father involvement during pregnancy and the postpartum period improves outcomes for mother and baby. - The event also highlights the role of congressional allies in turning maternal health advocacy into federal action.

What’s next: - Organizers will use the June 10 event to press federal leaders on policies that improve outcomes for mothers and families. - The Black Maternal Health Caucus has secured annual funding since FY2023 for the Healthy Families Community-Based Perinatal Health Initiative. - The latest round added more than $9 million in grants to 11 community-based perinatal health organizations under the Kira Johnson Act in the Momnibus. - Total funding awarded through the program now stands at $36 million. - The Momnibus is a package of 14 bills aimed at addressing maternal mortality, morbidity and disparities in the U.S.

The bottom line: - 4Kira4Moms is using fathers’ advocacy to widen the maternal health movement and push lawmakers toward continued action on maternal mortality and equity.