Legislation

Questions & Answers About Massachusetts Dissection Choice Legislation H. 1252

• What is dissection choice legislation?
• What are the student’s options for alternative assignments?
• Does Massachusetts have dissection choice legislation?
• What protection does this legislation provide students?
• Who sponsored this legislation?
• How can teachers learn more about alternatives to specimen dissection?

What is dissection choice legislation?
Dissection choice legislation protects students who, for religious, moral, or ethical reasons, do not wish to participate in specimen dissection.
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What are the student’s options for alternative assignments?
Studies show that students learn as well if not better through dissection alternatives. Such alternatives include: computer programs, models, charts, and videos.
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Does Massachusetts have dissection choice legislation?
Six states in the nation have dissection choice laws. A dissection choice bill (H. 1252), introduced in Massachusetts this legislative session, when passed, would protect students from punishment for conscientious objection to specimen dissection.
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What protection does this legislation provide students?
H. 1252 allows students an equivalent educational experience to specimen dissection in the form of a dissection alternative (which does not include watching a specimen dissection). Also, the student would not be academically penalized for choosing an alternative assignment.
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Who sponsored this legislation?
Representative Louis Kafka of Sharon filed H. 1252 (and its predecessor, H. 4409 and HB 1904) due to his concerns for students’ rights of conscience. In addition, over the years more than 40 legislators have co-sponsored H. 1252, including the former Co-Chair of the Education Committee and current Assistant Majority Whip, Rep. Lida Harkins. The bill is also supported by the Ethical Science and Education Coalition (ESEC), a non-profit organization that offers services to students, teachers, administrators, and parents regarding alternatives to specimen dissection.
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How can teachers learn more about alternatives to specimen dissection?
ESEC provides a variety of services for teachers interested in dissection alternatives:

• Resource Room and Loan Library housing dissection alternative computer programs, models, charts, books, and videos.
  
• Assistance in the selection of alternative teaching tools and lesson plans.
  
• Seminars at science teacher conventions demonstrating the newest dissection alternatives.
  
• ESEC’s dissection alternative catalog, Beyond Dissection, with more than 400 alternatives.

April 2003

For more information, contact ESEC, (617) 523-6020 * 27.

Fact Sheets:  MA Dissection Choice Legislation | H. 1252 Position Paper | List of Co-Sponsors of H. 1252 | US Dissection Laws | International Laws | Letter to the Editor

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