The state of Tennessee has passed a controversial law that would require a computer-generated video, produced by an anti-abortion group, to be included in all family life curricula. The video, titled “Meet Baby Olivia,” claims to show the development of a fetus in the womb with scientific accuracy. The “Baby Olivia Act” mandates the inclusion of this video or similar ones that show the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development.
The video was created by the anti-abortion organization Live Action and has been met with criticism from some who believe it is misleading and designed to manipulate emotions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has described the video as anti-abortion propaganda. Despite the controversy, the Tennessee Senate, led by Republican lawmakers, passed the bill, which is now awaiting the signature of Republican Governor Bill Lee.
Tennessee is not the only state to consider legislation requiring the inclusion of such videos in educational curricula. North Dakota passed a similar bill last year, and other states like Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri have also considered similar measures. However, a similar bill in West Virginia failed to pass. Live Action, the organization behind the video, aims to shift public opinion on abortion and conducts investigative reporting and educational media on the subject.
Critics of the video argue that it presents a skewed timeline of pregnancy, starting from the date of fertilization instead of the last menstrual period, leading to developmental milestones being shown up to two weeks earlier. Despite these concerns, Live Action worked with a panel of medical professionals to create the video, although some of these experts have ties to anti-abortion or right-leaning organizations. Critics, including Tennessee Senator Heidi Campbell, have called the video “offensively childish” and insulting to women and the medical profession.
The passage of the “Baby Olivia Act” in Tennessee comes in the wake of the state passing a ban on most abortions in 2022, joining other states in tightening abortion restrictions following the Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade. The law raises questions about the impact of such mandated educational content on young people and whether it serves to provide balanced and accurate information on reproductive health and abortion. It is likely to spark further debate about the role of politics and ideology in shaping educational curricula and the potential consequences for students and society as a whole.
