South Dakota Schools to Teach Prenatal Growth Under New State Law
- Steve Jurrens
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - The South Dakota Board of Education Standards (BOES) voted unanimously yesterday to implement a new curriculum focused on prenatal growth and development in the state’s schools.
The implementation follows the passage of HB 1313, a bill signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden during the recent legislative session. The law mandates that South Dakota students receive education detailing human growth and development prior to birth.
To fulfill the requirements of HB 1313, the board approved a specific visual curriculum for the classroom.
“The South Dakota Board of Education Standards unanimously recommended two videos detailing human development from conception to birth,” said Steve Perkins, President of the BOES. “This ensures that our children will learn about the miracle of life and gain a firsthand understanding of how babies develop.”
Perkins expressed gratitude to Governor Rhoden and the state Legislature for “their leadership in advancing HB 1313.”
The educational mandate is part of a broader legislative push in the state. HB 1313 is one of three pro-life measures signed by Governor Rhoden during the last Session. The other two measures include:
· HB 1257: A bill that amends the legal definition of an abortion within state statutes.
· HB 1274: A measure granting the Attorney General the authority to prosecute the shipment of pills intended for unlawful abortions.
HB 1274 is currently under review by a federal court. State officials noted that both the Governor and the Attorney General are actively litigating to defend the law.
Governor Rhoden praised the board’s decision and the state’s legislative direction.
“Human life is sacred, and our students deserve to learn what human life looks like even before a baby is born,” Rhoden said. “I am proud that South Dakota continues to lead as the most pro-life state in America. By educating our students on the dignity of human life, we will continue to protect the unborn for generations to come.”
With the board’s unanimous approval, school districts across South Dakota will begin preparing to integrate the recommended prenatal development materials into their regular programming.
