An Alliance Defending Freedom letter and presentation to the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board prompted it to vote 3-2 in favor of requiring Gilbert Public Schools to comply with Arizona law and provide curriculum to students that encourages to child birth over elective abortion.
“School districts must follow the law and provide students with a curriculum that supports positive, life-affirming choices,” said ADF Legal Counsel Natalie Decker. “We commend Gilbert Public Schools for taking the necessary steps to comply with a law designed to protect children and the state’s strong interest in promoting childbirth and adoption.”
In April 2012, Arizona Senate Bill 1009 was enacted and requires that no Arizona school district “may allow any presentation during instructional time or furnish any materials to pupils as part of any instruction that does not give preference, encouragement and support to childbirth and adoption as preferred options to elective abortion.”
In January, parents expressed concern over a high school biology textbook, “Campbell Biology: Concepts and Connections” that discusses elective abortion and provides information about morning after pills that can induce abortion. Parents asked ADF to intervene to rectify Gilbert Public Schools’ violation of state law.
“Students deserve to be taught important social values that promote life,” added ADF Senior Counsel Michael J. Norton. “The Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board rightly voted to affirm state law and life.”