This bill mandates the Arkansas Department of Education to incorporate a discussion on human fetal growth and development into the state's academic standards during the revision cycle. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 6-16-1008, which defines "human fetal growth and development discussion" as any educational format—oral, written, or digital—that addresses human biology in relation to pregnancy and fetal development. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is tasked with determining the appropriate grade levels for this discussion.
Furthermore, the bill outlines specific content requirements for the human fetal growth and development discussion. It stipulates that the curriculum must include high-definition ultrasound visuals of early fetal development, showcasing vital organs, as well as a comprehensive overview of the fertilization process and the stages of human development within the uterus. This includes highlighting significant markers in cell growth and organ development throughout pregnancy until birth.