COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bill that would require public schools to teach students when to have children passed the Ohio Senate this week, sparking debate over its intent and effectiveness.

Senate Bill 156, backed by Republican lawmakers, passed with a 24-9 vote. If approved by the House, the legislation would mandate that students in grades 6 through 12 be taught a three-part “success sequence” aimed at reducing poverty.

The sequence includes:

Graduating from high school

Securing full-time employment

Getting married before having children

State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, co-sponsored the bill and said the curriculum is designed to help students make informed life choices.

“It’s really tough being a single parent,” Gavarone said. “Certainly being a single parent without a high

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