The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section, 15-712.02, to title 15, chapter 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. This new section mandates that the State Board of Education (SBE) require all health education instruction for students in grades 7 and 8 to include specific instruction on fetal development, which encompasses information about the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, and a description of the growth and development of an unborn child during each trimester. Additionally, the SBE would have the authority to extend this requirement to grades 1 through 6 and 9 through 12, allowing for age-appropriate instruction on fetal development.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that students can be excused from fetal development instruction at the request of their parents. It also requires school districts and charter schools to provide parents with a description of the course curriculum and inform them of their right to withdraw their child from this instruction. Overall, the bill aims to enhance health education by incorporating fetal development topics while ensuring parental involvement and choice.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-712.02
House Engrossed Version: 15-712.02