Iowa Senate Bill SSB1028

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See SF 175.)

Impact

If enacted, SSB1028 will significantly alter the educational content provided to Iowa students, ensuring that they receive integrated information about human growth and fetal development as part of their health and human development curriculum. This may foster greater awareness among students regarding pregnancy and the biological aspects of human development, helping to shape their understanding of health-related issues from a young age. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions meant to ensure that the information is medically accurate and unbiased, aiming to reflect scientific consensus and ethical considerations.

Summary

SSB1028 aims to revise the educational curriculum related to human growth and development by mandating the incorporation of information on pregnancy and fetal development in grades one through twelve across various educational institutions in Iowa, including school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. The bill requires that the health curriculum contain age-appropriate and research-based information about human development, particularly focusing on stages of fetal development. This includes the use of ultrasound videos and animations depicting prenatal human development and significant markers throughout pregnancy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SSB1028 may arise from differing views on the appropriateness of teaching fetal development at a young age, with some critics arguing that it could lead to controversial moral and ethical discussions in the classroom. Proponents may contend that providing comprehensive and factual information about human development is essential for educating young students. There could also be debates regarding the interpretation and implementation of 'research-based' information within the educational standards, potentially leading to discussions on what constitutes unbiased educational material. Overall, the bill is likely to prompt discussions about the balance between educational content and parental rights in shaping curriculum.