Utah House Passes Bill Banning Planned Parenthood Educators in Schools

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Utah lawmakers have taken a significant step toward barring Planned Parenthood educators from teaching in public schools. The state’s House of Representatives passed HB233 on Friday in a 51-14 vote, primarily along party lines. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Bill Sponsor’s Perspective

Rep. Nicholeen Peck, R-Tooele, introduced the measure, arguing that organizations involved in providing elective abortions, such as Planned Parenthood, should not be allowed to present health-related instruction or materials in schools.

Peck contends that even if Planned Parenthood educators do not explicitly mention abortion, their presence in classrooms creates a “conflict of interest.” Speaking on the House floor, she suggested the organization financially benefits from teen pregnancies and the services that follow.

“Even if they’re not directly promoting abortion, they’re standing in front of students in a position of trust,” Peck said. “That’s a problem.”

Currently, Utah law requires parental consent before minors can receive abortion-related medical care.

Opposition and Concerns

The bill has drawn strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and other critics who argue it could weaken health and sex education in Utah schools. Opponents also emphasize that Planned Parenthood’s educational programs follow state-approved curriculum and require parental opt-in.

Rep. Andrew Stoddard, D-Sandy, voiced his concerns during the debate, stating that the bill unfairly targets a single organization rather than allowing local school districts to make their own decisions.

“If a school district chooses to work with an organization that follows state laws and guidelines, we should let them,” Stoddard said. “This isn’t about popularity—it’s about providing necessary education to our students.”

Similarly, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Salt Lake City, a retired teacher, pushed back against claims that Planned Parenthood is influencing students beyond its curriculum. She noted that in Salt Lake City’s school district, volunteers from the organization teach only state-approved lessons on topics such as sexually transmitted infections and healthy relationships.

Planned Parenthood’s Role in Utah Schools

For over 50 years, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah (PPAU) has provided health education in Utah classrooms, covering subjects like puberty, reproductive health, and disease prevention. The organization asserts that its educators strictly follow state-mandated guidelines and that all materials are reviewed and approved by parents, teachers, and district boards.

In a statement, Utah House Democrats condemned the bill, warning it could “prioritize ideology over evidence-based education” and lead to more unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. They also criticized state lawmakers for interfering in local education policies that have traditionally been left to districts and the Utah State Board of Education.

“This bill threatens the integrity of health education,” House Democrats said in a joint statement. “We trust the Utah State Board of Education to make informed decisions that prioritize students’ well-being.”

What’s Next?

Though Peck acknowledged that only a small number of Utah schools currently utilize Planned Parenthood educators, she insisted that districts would have “no trouble” finding alternative resources that comply with state laws.

With the House’s approval, the bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain .

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