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 or any sexual activity, as well as demonstrations of contraceptives in the curriculum. Additionally, it allows parents or guardians to opt their children out of these educational programs and requires schools to provide advance written notification of the content being taught. New definitions and requirements for course materials are introduced, emphasizing age-appropriate and medically accurate information while outlining specific topics that must be covered.

Moreover, the bill stipulates that educational institutions cannot engage individuals or organizations for teaching sex education unless they endorse sexual risk avoidance as the primary instructional method. It also prohibits the involvement of any entities that perform abortions or provide referrals or support for abortion services. The Attorney General is granted the authority to enforce these provisions through injunctive relief to ensure compliance. Overall, the bill aims to create a more restrictive framework for sex education in Alabama public schools, focusing on abstinence and risk avoidance while limiting discussions around contraception and abortion. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

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