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RESPECT LIFE ESSAY CONTEST

Junior Division (Grades 6-8)

Iowa’s new Prenatal Human Development Education Bill requires Iowa students in grades 5-12 to be shown “A high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation, or an ultrasound or other real image, that depicts the humanity of the unborn child by showing prenatal human development, starting at fertilization, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development throughout every stage of pregnancy.”
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Choose one stage of a preborn baby’s development. Explain the development in this stage (what the baby can do, what he looks like, etc.). Also address the following: 
  • Why is it important for schools to teach about prenatal human development?
  • How will this law help you share the value of preborn life with others?


​Write 500 words responding to the essay prompt. Have your parent, legal guardian, or teacher submit your essay using this form.

If you have any issues submitting your essay using the form, you can email it directly to [email protected]
Deadline: May 4, 2026
Senior Division (Grades 9-12)

​Iowa’s new Prenatal Human Development Education Bill requires Iowa students in grades 5-12 to be shown “A high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation, or an ultrasound or other real image, that depicts the humanity of the unborn child by showing prenatal human development, starting at fertilization, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development throughout every stage of pregnancy.”
​
In your essay, reflect on the meaning and importance of respect for human life as it relates to this new education requirement. You may consider questions such as:
  • What does it mean to value human life from the earliest stages of development?
  • How might learning about prenatal human development influence students’ understanding of life and dignity?
  • Why is it important for schools to teach about prenatal human development?
  • In what ways will this law impact our community and the culture?

Write 750 words responding to the essay prompt. Have your parent, legal guardian, or teacher submit your essay using this form.

If you have any issues submitting your essay using the form, you can email it directly to [email protected]

Deadline: May 4, 2026
College Division

​​Iowa’s new Prenatal Human Development Education Bill requires Iowa students in grades 5-12 to be shown “A high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation, or an ultrasound or other real image, that depicts the humanity of the unborn child by showing prenatal human development, starting at fertilization, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development throughout every stage of pregnancy.”
​
In your essay, reflect on the meaning and importance of respect for human life as it relates to this new education requirement. You may consider questions such as:
  • What does it mean to value human life from the earliest stages of development?
  • How might learning about prenatal human development influence students’ understanding of life and dignity?
  • Why is it important for schools to teach about prenatal human development?
  • In what ways will this law impact our community and the culture?

Write 1000 words responding to the essay prompt. Please submit your essay using this form.

If you have any issues submitting your essay using the form, you can email it directly to [email protected]

Deadline: May 4, 2026
2026 Contest Rules
  • Only one entry permitted per contestant.
  • By submitting an entry, the student and parent or guardian confirm that the essay is original, previously unpublished work of the student, and agree to allow Johnson County Right to Life to reprint the winning essay, along with the student's picture.
  • Only essays that respond to the essay prompt will be considered.
  • Cite any sources used.
  • The contest is open to students in grades 6-12 and college.
  • Participant must be a resident of Johnson County, IA.
  • All essays must be submitted by a parent, legal guardian, or teacher (college students excluded).
  • All submissions become the sole property of Johnson County Right to Life, which reserves the right to edit submissions for publication.
  • We accept electronic submissions only; you can submit your entry below. If you have any trouble, let us know and we’ll help.
  • Use the appropriate Google form to submit all contact information:
  • Junior Division | Senior Division | College
  • Deadline: May 4, 2026. Winners will notified by May 31, 2026
CASH PRIZES

Junior Division (Grades 6-8)
$200 (1st), $150 (2nd), and $100 (3rd)

Senior Division (Grades 9-12)
$300 (1st), $250 (2nd), $200 (3rd)

College Division 
$300 ​(1st), $250 (2nd), $200 (3rd)