Soon, I intend to introduce legislation aimed at giving students a deeper understanding of the remarkable journey of human life and how that life is impacted by parental behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
 
As medical science and technology advance, it’s important that students are taught medically and scientifically accurate information about the full scope of human development from its earliest stages. This instruction will offer students immersive instruction on human development during pregnancy, integrated within biology courses, and aligned with State Academic Standards to give students a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience of human life.
 
Empowering future parents with the knowledge to make informed and healthier choices leads to better health decisions, resulting in healthier pregnancies and ultimately healthier children.
 
At a time when public health challenges like the opioid epidemic have led to rising cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and other pregnancy-related conditions, this education becomes even more essential. By fostering a deeper understanding of human development, we can reduce the prevalence of such conditions and the need for costly medical interventions such as medication-assisted treatments for unborn and newborn children.
 
By ensuring students have access to accurate, science-based information about early human development, we can equip the next generation with the knowledge to build stronger families and healthier communities.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.