The proposed bill amends Section 16-40A-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish stringent requirements for sex education and human reproductive system curricula in public K-12 schools. It mandates that these programs focus on sexual risk avoidance and promote abstinence as the only 100 percent effective method to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The bill explicitly prohibits the promotion of abortions, any sexual activity, and demonstrations of contraceptives within the curriculum. Additionally, it allows parents or guardians to opt their children out of these programs and requires schools to provide advance written notification of the content being taught, ensuring transparency and parental involvement.

Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions and requirements for sex education content, emphasizing age-appropriate and medically accurate materials. It outlines specific topics that must be covered, including laws related to pregnancy, abortion, and adoption, as well as information on identifying unhealthy relationships. The bill also prohibits the use of any individual or organization for teaching sex education unless they endorse sexual risk avoidance as the primary method of instruction and bars those involved in abortion services from participation. The Attorney General is granted the authority to enforce these provisions, and the act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-40A-2
Engrossed: 16-40A-2