This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 15, Chapter 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically focusing on school curricula related to fetal and prenatal development. The State Board of Education (SBE) would be required to determine appropriate grade levels for instruction on fetal and prenatal development, adopt academic standards that are age-appropriate and factual, and include this instruction in the science competency requirements for common schools and high school graduation. The instruction must cover various aspects of prenatal development, including fertilization, stages of development, major milestones, and supporting biological structures, while ensuring that it remains focused solely on biological processes.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the instruction must be descriptive and age-appropriate, explicitly prohibiting the inclusion of topics related to sexual activity, contraception, or reproductive decision-making. It also clarifies that this instruction will not be classified as sex education, thereby exempting it from parental consent or opt-out requirements typically associated with sex education courses. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational standards regarding fetal and prenatal development in Arizona schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-712.02