Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1046 creates Section 33-1637 of Idaho Code, requiring all Idaho public and charter schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on human growth and development beginning no later than grade 5. The bill specifically mandates that instruction include scientifically accurate, detailed presentations of fetal development from fertilization through birth.

The law requires schools to show students:

• A high-definition ultrasound video, at least three minutes in length, that displays early fetal development including the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs.
• A high-quality computer-generated animation or rendering that depicts fertilization and the week-by-week stages of fetal growth until birth.

These materials must be incorporated into any course in grades 5 through 12 that discusses human biology, contraception, or sexually transmitted infections. The bill includes an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:

S1046 aligns directly with the Idaho Republican Party Platform’s affirmation of life beginning at conception and the defense of unborn children. By requiring accurate visual instruction on fetal development, the bill reinforces a life-affirming moral and scientific framework for students. It ensures that when reproductive health or human biology is taught in Idaho classrooms, the humanity of the unborn is clearly represented through observable scientific evidence. It strengthens local cultural values without expanding federal control or violating parental rights. For its strong alignment with pro-life and traditional educational values, S1046 earns a positive rating.