South Dakota public school students would be required to receive instruction on prenatal human growth and development under a bill approved Tuesday (March 3, 2026) by the state Senate.
Lawmakers passed House Bill 1313 on a 31-3 vote. The state Board of Education Standards must recommend suitable instructional resources, which districts are then required to use in health/science classes.
Supporters described the bill as a brief, science-based addition to the existing curriculum, built around modern video tools that show fetal development. Opponents said it’s political because it restricts who provides instructional materials and because it runs outside the usual education-standards process.
Under the bill, required instruction must include a high-definition ultrasound video showing the brain, heart, and other major organs at various stages of prenatal development. It also requires a video or computer-generated rendering showing development “from fertilization through birth,” including key moments in cellular growth and organ development. Any video or rendering shown under the bill must be at least three minutes long.
The bill also prohibits schools from using instructional materials produced or provided by an entity that performs abortions, promotes abortion, contracts or subcontracts with such an entity, affiliates with such an entity, or regularly makes referrals to an entity that provides or promotes abortions.
Carrying the bill in the Senate, Sen. Greg Blanc, R-Rapid City, urged passage and described it as a straightforward curriculum requirement –and moving.
“Legislation that is a simple addition to existing curriculum to include a short video that shows the awe-inspiring process of what happens in the womb from conception to birth,” he said.
Opponents argued the bill goes beyond science and into politics by limiting sources of educational content. Sen. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, pointed to the bill’s restrictions on who can produce or provide instructional materials.
“Yet, I want you to look at section three, everybody. Tells who can provide and who can’t provide information,” Smith said.
He said that included hospitals that perform abortions to save the life of the mother.
Smith also said he believes the bill is being handled outside the regular standards-review process and challenged claims that it is not political.
“I think that’s disingenuous,” Smith said during the floor debate.
Supporters pushed back on that framing.
Sen. Kevin D. Jensen, R-Canton, described the content as factual and said the bill is focused on showing prenatal development.
“What we’re talking about is a video that shows conception to birth,” Jensen said.
Sen. Tamara Grove, R-Lower Brule, said districts would still determine how to implement the requirement and where it fits in local curriculum.
The roll call shows three “no” votes from Sen. Liz Larson, D-Sioux Falls, Smith, and Sen. Stephanie Sauder, R-Bryant. One senator was excused.
HB 1313 now heads to the governor.
By Todd Epp | South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
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