Tennessee is on the verge of joining other states in mandating that public school students view a three-minute AI-generated video on fetal development produced by an anti-abortion organization. The legislation, dubbed the “Baby Olivia Act,” was approved by the state Senate in a 21-6 vote and is now awaiting Governor Bill Lee’s signature.
Under this proposed law, schools will be required to include the video, or an equivalent, in their family life curriculum. This curriculum will encompass various topics such as human growth, development, and sexuality, utilizing high-quality computer-generated animations or high-definition ultrasounds to illustrate early fetal development of essential organs like the brain and heart.
The video, created by the pro-life group Live Action, has stirred controversy. Republican Representative Gino Bulso, the bill’s sponsor, defended the video’s medical accuracy, citing approval from a committee of medical professionals and experts. However, House Democrats referenced research from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that they believe refutes this claim.
State Minority Leader Senator Raumesh Akbari criticized the video’s inclusion in the curriculum, advocating for unbiased and medically accurate sex education for students to make informed decisions.
Republican Senator Janice Bowling, who introduced the Senate bill, voiced support for the legislation championed by Bulso, emphasizing the educational value of the scientifically accurate portrayal of fetal development.
Despite the bill’s passage in the House and Senate, Democratic Representative Justin Jones expressed concerns about merging religious beliefs with science and disseminating potentially misleading information to students. He highlighted the lack of an opt-out provision for parents regarding their children’s exposure to the video.
Once Governor Lee signs the bill into law, it will take effect immediately, starting from the 2024-2025 school year. This decision follows Tennessee’s ban on abortions across all pregnancy stages, except in cases where the pregnant woman’s life and health are at significant risk.
Tennessee is poised to follow North Dakota in enacting such legislation, with similar bills under review in Iowa, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri.
