MO SB978

Mandates instruction on human growth and development beginning no later than third grade starting in the 2026-27 school year, including required videos showing fetal development via high-definition ultrasound (minimum 3 minutes) and the fertilization process through birth

Requires teaching specific claims about fetal development, including that "at conception, a new genetically distinct human being is formed, and abortion ends the life of an unborn child," along with detailed information about fetal heartbeat detection, pain response, and brain development at various gestational stages

Adds requirements to existing human sexuality curriculum to include instruction on sexual harassment, sexual violence, and consent, with specific definitions for each term

Prohibits abortion service providers from offering or furnishing any course materials or instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases to students

Requires parental notification of curriculum content and preserves parents' right to remove students from human sexuality and human development instruction; authorizes the attorney general to bring civil actions for violations