TENNESSEE, USA —
Children in public schools in Tennessee may soon be required to watch a computer-generated video showing fetal development as part of sex education.
The ‘Baby Olivia’ Act cites this video put together by pro-life organization Live Action. Public school students in Tennessee would be required to watch either that video or other similar depictions showing the development of the brain, heart and other vital organs in early fetal development.
On Wednesday, the bill successfully passed through the Tennessee Senate Education committee. Sen. Janice Bowling, the bill’s sponsor, said such videos are essential to proper sex education in the state.
“Family life curriculum that directly or indirectly addresses human growth, human development and human sexuality would be incomplete if it didn't actually show the beginning of human life, which is at conception,” Bowling said.
Critics argue the video is inaccurate and anti-abortion propaganda.
“The video depicts fetal development in an inaccurate and emotionally manipulative way. It has not been endorsed by any leading unbiased medical organization such as the American College of Obstetrics, Obstetricians and Gynecologists,” said Ashley Coffield, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi.
According to an Associated Press report from February, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said the video is inaccurate and designed to manipulate the emotions of viewers.
“Young people, regardless of where they live, deserve honest, accurate and age-appropriate sex education that addresses their experiences and their needs,” Coffield said.
The video is already being shown in sex education classes in North Dakota, and Tennessee is now likely to follow alongside West Virginia and Iowa.