Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Adoption Discussions in Contraception and STI Education

Arizona won't require schools and colleges that discuss contraception and sexually transmitted diseases to also tell students about adoption.

Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed HB 2040 late Tuesday, rejecting a bill that would have mandated adoption information be provided when teaching about contraception and sexually transmitted infections in public educational institutions.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Rachel Keshel (R-Tucson), would have required students at the college and university level receiving contraceptive services or STI testing to also be informed about adoption options, adoption resources, and support services available in Arizona.

"It seems to me to be more pro-abortion and not pro-choice," Keshel said, defending her bill as a response to Proposition 139, which voters approved in 2024 to expand abortion rights prior to fetal viability. Keshel argued that young women need to know about all their options, citing a story from a 16-year-old who had an abortion because she believed no other path existed.

"These young women don't even realize the potential for them to actually look into the option of adoption," Keshel said, noting that three of her five children are adopted.

Critics Say Bill Takes Flawed Approach

The measure drew sharp criticism from opponents who argued the bill treated adoption as a substitute for contraception rather than a parallel choice.

Rep. Nancy Gutierrez (D-Tucson) questioned the logic of the proposal:

"What this bill does is it talks about adoption as an alternative to contraception," Gutierrez said. She noted the impracticality of a student entering a university health center seeking contraception or STI testing, only to receive information about adoption practices and support services.

Jodi Liggett representing Reproductive Freedom for All's Arizona chapter testified during the House Education Committee hearing that the concept of adoption as an alternative to contraception is irresponsible.

"That strikes us as irresponsible," Liggett said. She explained that contraceptives serve purposes beyond pregnancy prevention, including treating sexually transmitted infections.

"Awareness of adoption law means nothing to a student who's trying to use medically accurate information about a sexually transmitted infection," Liggett said.

Governor Increases Foster Care Support

In her veto message, Gov. Hobbs did not address the debate that unfolded during the committee hearing.

"We should focus on solutions that will actually lead to placing more children into safe and loving homes instead of placing onerous burdens on public education institutions that require adoption information to be provided in inappropriate settings," Hobbs wrote.

Hobbs said she is fully supportive of efforts to bolster adoption rates, citing her increased financial support for foster care families and children as evidence of that commitment.

The Bill's Journey

Rep. Keshel introduced HB 2040 as part of her broader opposition to Proposition 139, which she argued promoted abortion over other options. The bill passed the House but was blocked from advancing further when Governor Hobbs vetoed it.

The legislation also drew skeptical responses from advocates like Isela Blanc, who lobbies for the Arizona Education Association. Blanc noted that Arizona schools historically had active programs providing sex education and information about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, though she noted lawmakers changed those programs years ago.

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Sources:

• https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-04-08/hobbs-vetoes-bill-to-mandate-adoption-education-alongside-stis-contraceptives-in-schools
• https://www.pinalcentral.com/politics/hobbs-vetoes-bill-promoting-adoptions-alongside-contraception/article_10642689-fc58-4ed0-9fc7-8125f0a4ca1a.html
• https://ktar.com/arizona-news/hobbs-vetoes-string-of-gop-bills/5844893/
• https://www.verdenews.com/news/governor-vetoes-measure-requiring-adoption-discussions-in-health-education/article_aebf07f4-af35-40a9-9759-c27624a8d777.html