Pennsylvania SB 973: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for early human life development education.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1114
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 973
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY BROOKS, AUGUST 15, 2025
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, AUGUST 15, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study,
providing for early human life development education.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1556. Early Human Life Development Education.--(a)
(1) Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and continuing
each school year thereafter, each school entity shall provide
early human life development instruction to students once during
grade nine, ten, eleven or twelve. The early human life
development instruction shall be integrated within the biology
course of study required in accordance with the State Board of
Education regulations.
(2) The early human life development instruction under
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paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, include:
(i) An ultrasound video at least five minutes in length
showing human development of the brain, heart, sex organs and
other vital organs at the following intervals:
(A) Eight weeks' gestational age.
(B) Twelve weeks' gestational age.
(C) Seventeen weeks' gestational age.
(D) Twenty-two weeks' gestational age.
(E) Twenty-seven weeks' gestational age.
(F) Thirty-two weeks' gestational age.
(G) Thirty-seven weeks' gestational age.
(ii) A presentation of a high-quality, computer-generated,
animated rendering showing the process of fertilization and
every stage of human development inside the uterus, noting
significant markers in cell growth and organ development for
every significant marker of pregnancy until birth.
(iii) Age-appropriate instruction on the effects and harms
of illegal drugs, narcotics, tobacco and alcohol on pregnancy,
including potential harm to the fetus, risks of developmental
disorders and the long-term health consequences for both mother
and child.
(b) As used in this section, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Gestational age." The age of an unborn child as calculated
from the first day of the last menstrual period of the pregnant
woman.
"School entity." A school district, intermediate unit,
charter school, cyber charter school or regional charter school.
"Ultrasound video." A video produced through the use of an
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ultrasound machine which is of sufficient quality to be used in
determining gestational age.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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