The bill S. 41 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the Comprehensive Health Education Program, specifically focusing on reproductive health education and pregnancy prevention education. It proposes to redefine "reproductive health education" to ensure that it includes age-appropriate, comprehensive, and medically accurate instruction while explicitly stating that abstinence cannot be taught as the only or primary method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, the definition of "pregnancy prevention education" will be updated to include the benefits of abstinence until marriage.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that local school boards incorporate domestic violence and pregnancy prevention education into the curriculum for grades six through eight. The amendments also clarify that while abstinence and the risks of sexual activity outside of marriage should be discussed, they cannot be the sole focus of the education provided. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 59-32-10, 59-32-30
Latest Version: 59-32-10, 59-32-30