House passes bill to require adoption information in teen pregnancy programs

The Utah House of Representatives on March 2, 1998, approved Senate Bill 38, a measure that directs school districts to include adoption information in teenage pregnancy programs offered to students in grades 7–9 and again in grades 10–12, according to the bill sponsor on the floor.

Sponsor Representative Kilpack told the chamber the change is intended to update school offerings and present adoption as a viable alternative to abortion. Kilpack said the program would allow students “to hear information on adoption given to them by representatives of a child placement agency or by an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the state of Utah.” Kilpack argued the instruction addresses misinformation and that “adoption is viable.”

The bill prompted extended floor discussion about how the material would align with the state’s abstinence-focused curriculum. Members asked whether lessons about adoption could undercut abstinence messages or inadvertently encourage sexual activity. Supporters, including Representative Carlson, said parents should be reminded of responsibilities and that students deserve accurate information about options.

Sponsors said the measure does not add additional licensing or training hours for educators and that presentations would be made by placement agencies or licensed attorneys rather than by untrained staff. Lawmakers emphasized the distinction between education about adoption and instruction promoting sexual activity.

The House recorded a roll-call outcome when taking the vote on the measure during its consideration of Senate third‑reading calendar items; the bill was passed and returned to the Senate for further action.

Next steps: The House passage sends SB38 back to the Senate for concurrence and signatures before any enactment process continues.