Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB34

Introduced
1/15/25  

Caption

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 391.)

Impact

By enshrining these educational requirements into law, HSB34 aims to provide comprehensive information regarding fetal development and pregnancy in an age-appropriate manner. This could have far-reaching implications for understanding human biology among students and could influence perceptions regarding pregnancy and reproductive health. The introduction of multimedia elements such as high-definition ultrasound videos and animated renderings of fetal development seeks to enhance student engagement and facilitate a deeper understanding of the material presented.

Summary

House Study Bill 34 (HSB34) proposes significant changes to the educational curriculum related to human growth and development for secondary school students in Iowa. The bill mandates that school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools incorporate specific provisions concerning pregnancy and fetal development into their health education programs. The designated grades for this requirement are seven through twelve, targeting young adolescents through high school students with accurate and research-based information on human biology and development related to pregnancy.

Contention

However, the incorporation of such content into the curriculum may be contentious. Proponents argue that it empowers students with critical understanding of reproductive health and biology, while critics may see it as a form of indoctrination regarding pregnancy and fetal life, potentially overshadowing a more comprehensive approach to health education that includes discussions about consent and contraceptive methods. The introduction of medically-integrated content needs to be navigated carefully to balance informative education with respect for diverse perspectives on reproductive health.

Companion Bills

IA HF391

Replaced by A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HSB 34.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2617

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HF 2031.)

IA HF2031

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See HF 2617.)

IA SF2150

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

IA HF480

A bill for an act relating to the human growth and development instruction provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.

IA SF66

A bill for an act relating to the health and human growth and development instruction provided by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools.

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA HSB586

A bill for an act requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction related to character development to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve.

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

IA HF187

A bill for an act relating to instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools related to the availability of a vaccine to prevent the human papilloma virus.

IA SF83

A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.

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