CNN
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Tennessee could soon become the latest state to require public school students to watch an AI-generated three-minute video about fetal development created by an anti-abortion group.
The state Senate passed the bill, commonly known as “Baby Olivia's Law,” on a 21-6 vote Thursday, and it now heads to Republican Gov. Bill Lee's desk.
Under the proposed law, schools would have to incorporate videos or the equivalent into the family life curriculum. The curriculum explores topics such as human growth, development, and sexual orientation through “high-quality computer-generated animation or high-resolution ultrasound depicting early fetal development of the brain, heart, and other vital organs.” I'll take it up.
The animation, produced by the pro-life group Live Action, has sparked controversy.
The House bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Gino Balso, argued in March that the video was medically accurate and had been approved by a panel of medical experts and experts. But House Democrats said they believe there is research from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that disproves that statement.
Minority leader Senator Ramesh Akbari said the video did not deserve to be included in the curriculum.
“Students deserve fair, medically accurate sex education that helps them make healthy and safe decisions. This bill accomplishes none of those goals.”
House Democratic Rep. Aftin Behn said the pro-life video was “incredibly problematic” and contradicted Bruso's views on education.
“Representative Bourso, in your own words, when asked about the controversial bill you passed a few weeks ago, you said that schools are places where children go to learn, not where children are indoctrinated. '' said Behn.
The House passed HB2435 in March by a vote of 67-23.
Republican Sen. Janice Bowling, the Senate bill's sponsor, said Thursday she supports the bill introduced by Mr. Balso.
“Olivia's Baby is a medically accurate, animated glimpse into a human's life at the moment of conception. This scientifically accurate video prepares the child for continued life outside the womb. It shows her growth as she progresses from one developmental stage to the next, and I keep repeating that, it's one of the options that teachers have when presenting this type of information,” Bowling said.
Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action, expressed gratitude for the passage of this bill.
“I commend the Tennessee General Assembly for passing this bill. baby olivia actThis is an important step toward educating students about the amazing process of human development in the womb…Governor Lee will quickly sign this bill and prioritize comprehensive education on human development. We hope this will set a precedent for other states to follow. ”
The narrated AI film provides a chronological explanation of what happens during different stages of pregnancy.
This video begins with the fertilization and implantation of an egg and shows the embryonic and fetal development of the fetus.
Noah Brandt, Live Action's vice president of communications, said the group consulted with a panel of physicians, including experts in embryonic and fetal development, for the project. Anti-abortion groups also said doctors supported the announcement.
CNN has reached out to Planned Parenthood and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for comment.
Rep. Justin Jones, D-Tennessee, said in a recent phone interview with CNN that the new bill is an attempt to blend religious beliefs and science to confuse students with “medically inaccurate” information. Ta.
“At a time when our schools are underfunded and teachers are already being forced to ban history and ban books on critical race theory and diversity, It's shameful that they're pushing this. They're trying to push this propaganda into our schools and present a view that's not true.”
Jones also said Republican lawmakers voted against an amendment that would have allowed parents to opt out of their children's video viewing.
CNN has contacted Lee's office regarding the timing of the bill signing.
If signed, the law would take effect immediately beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.
The decision comes two years after Tennessee banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, including in cases of rape and incest. There are exceptions to this prohibition only in cases where the life and limb of the pregnant woman are in serious danger.
Tennessee will join North Dakota in adopting the bill. Similar bills are being considered in Iowa, West Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri.