Bill > HB2581

This bill requires comprehensive human sexuality and development instruction in Missouri schools, with significant new requirements. The bill mandates that all sexuality education must be medically accurate, emphasize abstinence as the preferred behavior for unmarried students, and cover topics including sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, emotional consequences of sexual activity, personal responsibility, legal responsibilities, and safety from sexual predators. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, schools must also include a human growth and development discussion that involves showing a high-definition ultrasound video demonstrating early fetal development and a video tracking human development from fertilization to birth. The bill specifies that schools must notify parents about the curriculum content and provide an option to opt students out of instruction. Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from working with abortion service providers for sexuality education and grants the Missouri Attorney General standing to sue for enforcement of these requirements. The instruction must be age-appropriate and can involve separating students by gender during lessons. Notably, the bill adds specific definitions and requirements around what constitutes acceptable human sexuality and development education, with a strong emphasis on abstinence, biological facts, and potential consequences of sexual activity.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2581&year=2026&code=R