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WI SB371

WI SB371
Explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth as part of a human growth and development instructional program. (FE)


summary

Introduced
07/09/2025
In Committee
01/09/2026
Crossed Over
01/21/2026
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, a school board may offer a human growth and development instructional program to pupils in kindergarten to grade 12. If a school board elects to offer the instructional program, current law recommends, but does not require, that the school board include certain topics in the instructional program. If the school board provides instruction on a recommended topic, current law requires the school board to provide certain instruction in the program, when age appropriate, including presenting abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried pupils, providing instruction in parental responsibility and the socioeconomic benefits of marriage for adults and their children, and explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth. This bill requires that a school board include all of the following in the explanation of pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth, when age appropriate: 1) a high-definition ultrasound video that shows the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development; 2) a high-quality, computer-generated rendering LRB-3038/1 FFK:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 371 or animation that shows the process of fertilization and every stage of fetal development inside the uterus and that notes significant markers in cell growth and organ development for every week of pregnancy until birth; and 3) a presentation on each trimester of pregnancy as it relates to the physical and emotional health of the mother. The bill also requires that a school board include in the instruction in parental responsibility an explanation of 1) the importance of secure interpersonal relationships for infant mental health and 2) the value of reading to young children for mental development. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing Wisconsin law regarding human growth and development instructional programs in schools by adding specific requirements for explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth. The bill mandates that school boards include three key elements when teaching about pregnancy: 1) a high-definition ultrasound video demonstrating early fetal organ development, including the brain, heart, and sex organs; 2) a computer-generated rendering or animation showing the entire fertilization process and fetal development week by week, highlighting significant cell and organ growth markers; and 3) a presentation on each pregnancy trimester's impact on the mother's physical and emotional health. Additionally, the bill requires that instruction on parental responsibility now explicitly include information about the importance of secure interpersonal relationships for infant mental health and the value of reading to young children for their mental development. These changes are intended to provide more comprehensive and detailed information about pregnancy and child development within school-based human growth and development programs, with the understanding that such instruction will be age-appropriate.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (22)

Last Action

Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)

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