A new law taking effect this week will help provide public school students with education regarding adoption.

Act 637 of 2023 by Sen. David Wallace (R — Leachville) and Rep. Joey Carr (R — Blytheville) requires public schools to provide one hour of education regarding adoption awareness to students in grades 6-12 at the beginning of each school year.

This will help educate students about adoption and foster care in Arkansas.

According to Act 637, the adoption education must cover the following topics:

  • The benefits of adoption to society
  • The types of adoption available
  • The difference between adoption through the foster care system and private adoption
  • The reasons adoption is preferable to abortion
  • Public and private resources and agencies available to assist in the adoption process
  • Statistical data on abortion, adoption, and childbirth
  • Public and private resources available for pregnant mothers and parents enrolled in a public school
  • A description of child and human development.

The law requires the State Board of Education to develop “curricula, standards, materials, and units” to teach students about adoption.

Promoting adoption and foster care is good for children and families, and it is one way that Arkansans can reduce the demand for abortion.

Act 637 of 2023 is a good law that will help do exactly that.

Arkansas Right to Life was the lead pro-life proponent of this law during the 2023 legislative session, and Family Council was proud to support their efforts.

Now that Act 637 is taking effect, we look forward to the State Board of Education and the various public schools around the state implementing this good law in the coming school year.