A proposal requiring K‑12 students to receive instruction on pre‑birth development drew debate Monday in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
House Bill 1313 would mandate that schools show a video of at least three minutes illustrating the development of the brain, heart, and other organs from fertilization to birth. The bill also bars abortion providers from being involved in creating or selecting the instructional material.
Supporters argued the requirement enhances science education. While Opponents said the bill crosses into ideology.
Sponsor Rep. Tony Kayser defended excluding abortion providers, saying it prevents organizations with an “abortion‑minded” perspective from influencing the material. Sen. Jamie Smith noted that hospitals that perform emergency abortions would also be barred from contributing.
Critics, including education groups, warned that HB 1313 overrides local control of curriculum. The committee advanced the bill 6–1. It now heads to the full Senate.
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