SB 371

Under current law, a school board may offer a human growth and development instructional program to pupils in kindergarten to grade 12. If a school board elects to offer the instructional program, current law recommends, but does not require, that the school board include certain topics in the instructional program. If the school board provides instruction on a recommended topic, current law requires the school board to provide certain instruction in the program, when age appropriate, including presenting abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried pupils, providing instruction in parental responsibility and the socioeconomic benefits of marriage for adults and their children, and explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth. This bill requires that a school board include all of the following in the explanation of pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth, when age appropriate: 1) a high-definition ultrasound video that shows the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development; 2) a high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation that shows the process of fertilization and every stage of fetal development inside the uterus and that notes significant markers in cell growth and organ development for every week of pregnancy until birth; and 3) a presentation on each trimester of pregnancy as it relates to the physical and emotional health of the mother. The bill also requires that a school board include in the instruction in parental responsibility an explanation of 1) the importance of secure interpersonal relationships for infant mental health and 2) the value of reading to young children for mental development.