Since the beginning of human history, mothers have felt their babies kicking and hiccupping in the womb before birth. These experiences gave mothers clear knowledge of what today’s science has shown to be true: babies inside the womb are alive and developing. Today, modern technology provides us with the astonishing ability not only to feel, but also to see babies in the womb and to understand each stage of fetal development.
A new bill in the Wisconsin Senate seeks to use these modern technologies to educate students on the process of fetal development. While current Wisconsin law does not require schools to provide human growth and development instructional programs, school boards that elect to offer this program must follow certain guidelines. SB 371 adds to the current requirements for these programs in Wisconsin schools.
The Bill
SB 371 creates five new requirements for human growth and development programs:
- A high-definition ultrasound video that shows the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development.
- Watching an ultrasound video provides students with the opportunity to view real babies and their development in the womb.
- A high-quality, computer-generated or animated video that shows the process of fertilization and every stage of fetal development inside the uterus. The video must note significant markers in cell growth and organ development for every week of pregnancy until birth.
- While ultrasound videos hold the advantage of showing images of actual babies, animated videos hold the advantage of showing a more accessible depiction of a baby’s growth throughout various stages of development. Students may find the images in an animated video to be more relatable and easier to understand than those in an ultrasound video. Animated videos help students to more clearly grasp the changes that occur in each stage of fetal development.
- A presentation on each trimester of pregnancy that discusses the physical and emotional health of the mother at each stage.
- As the baby grows and develops inside the womb, the mother’s body experiences drastic changes as well. This requirement helps students to grasp the effect of pregnancy on the mother as well as on the child.
- An explanation of the importance of secure interpersonal relationships for infant mental health.
- From infancy, a secure relationship between the mother and father of the child plays an integral role in its development. In fact, studies demonstrate that one of the biggest indicators of a child’s success is a two-biological-parent family structure with high levels of parental involvement.[i] This requirement helps students to understand the responsibility that parenthood demands.
- An explanation of the value of reading to young children for mental development.
- Beyond the physical, emotional, and relational aspects of pregnancy, parenthood also demands much parental involvement. This requirement helps students to prepare for parenthood by explaining one way that parents can aid in their children’s mental development.
Creating a Culture that Values Life and Family
SB 371 provides students with the opportunity to learn about the stages of pregnancy and fetal development and to encounter the beauty and solemnity of pregnancy and parenthood. Wisconsin Family Action’s Legislative Director, Sam Krebs, explains, “SB 371 requires students to see prenatal development in vivid detail, fostering respect for human dignity and equipping young people with a deeper appreciation of both mother and child. By weaving in medically accurate information about prenatal development, maternal health, and the importance of secure family bonds, this bill points young people toward responsibility, respect, and stronger futures. Students will see not only how life develops but also how vital strong families and secure relationships are for raising children well.”
SB 371 is one step along the road to forming a Wisconsin where life and family are appreciated and valued.
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