CNN
–
Tennessee may soon become the latest state to require public school students to watch a three-minute AI-generated video on fetal development created by an anti-abortion group.
The state Senate passed the legislation, commonly known as the “Baby Olivia Act,” in a 21-6 vote Thursday and the bill is now headed to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.
Under the proposed law, schools must include the video, or its equivalent, in their family life curriculum. The curriculum will cover topics such as human development, growth and sexuality through “high-quality computer-generated animation or high-definition ultrasound that shows the early embryonic development of the brain, heart and other vital organs.”
Produced by the pro-life group Live Action, the animation has sparked debate.
George Walker IV/AP
Representative Gino Bulso introduces a bill on the House floor to ban the display of pride flags in schools during the legislative session on February 26, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Republican Rep. Gino Bilso, who sponsored the House bill, argued in March that the video was medically accurate and had been approved by a committee of medical professionals and experts. However, House Democrats said they had research from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that they believed debunked that statement.
State Minority Leader Sen Romesh Akbari said the video does not deserve a place in the syllabus.
“Students deserve unbiased, clinically accurate sexuality education that helps them make healthy and safe decisions. This law achieves neither of those goals.
Representative Aftyn Behn, a House Democrat, argued that the pro-life video was “incredibly problematic” and contrary to Bilso’s views on education.
“To use your own words, Representative Bilso, when you were asked about a controversial piece of legislation a few weeks ago, you said that school is a place where a child goes to learn, not a place where “The child is trained,” said the sister.
The House passed HB2435 in March by a vote of 67-23.
Republican Sen. Janice Bowling, who sponsored the Senate bill, said Thursday that she supports the legislation introduced by Bilso.
“Baby Olivia is a clinically accurate, dynamic glimpse into human life at the moment of fertilization. This scientifically accurate, video shows her development as she goes through a stage of development in preparation for her continued life outside the womb. from goes to the second step and I repeat it. It’s one of the choices that teachers can make to show that kind of information,” Bowling said.
Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action, expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage:
“I applaud the Tennessee State Legislature for its approval. Baby Olivia ActAn important step toward teaching students about the amazing process of human development in the womb … I look forward to Governor Lee’s swift signing of this bill, which will allow other states to prioritize inclusive education over human development. Set an example for
The narrated AI film gives a chronological account of what happens during the various stages of pregnancy.
The video begins with the fertilization and implantation of the egg and shows the development of the embryo and embryo.
Noah Brandt, vice president of communications for Live Action, says the group consulted a panel of medical doctors for the project, including experts in embryology and fetal development. The anti-abortion group also says every doctor endorsed the offer.
CNN reached out to Planned Parenthood and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for comment.
Seth Harold/Reuters
Representative Justin Jones raises his hand to discuss bill HB 2716 at the Tennessee State Capitol building during a general session on February 26, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Representative Justin Jones, Democrat of Tennessee, said in a recent phone interview with CNN that the new legislation is an attempt to mix religious beliefs with science and confuse students with “medically inaccurate” information.
“It’s shameful that they’re putting this in our schools when we’re faced with a situation where our schools are underfunded, our teachers are already banned from history, critical theory of race, or diversity. About books are being forced to be banned, and yet they’re going to push this propaganda into our schools to promote an ideology that’s not actually true.”
Jones also said GOP representatives voted against an amendment that would have allowed parents to opt out of their children watching the video.
CNN reached Lee’s office in time for the bill signing.
Once signed, the law will take effect immediately beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.
The decision comes two years after the state of Tennessee banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, even in cases of rape and adultery. The prohibition is exempted only if there is serious danger to the life and body of the pregnant woman.
Tennessee would join North Dakota in adopting the bill. Similar legislation is being considered in Iowa, West Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri.