The West Virginia Republican-majority Senate passed a bill that would require public schools to show a video on fetal development produced by the anti-abortion group Live Action. The video, titled “Baby Olivia,” is meant to visualize the stages of development in the womb and has been criticized by physicians and educators for providing misleading information. Similar bills have been proposed in other states, including North Dakota, Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri. The bill now moves to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The animated video shows the development of a fetus from fertilization to birth, with a fully developed baby named Olivia as the main focus. Critics have pointed out inaccuracies in the video, such as referring to a “heartbeat” at six weeks when the embryo is not yet a fetus and does not have a heart. Republican Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo, who is a working pulmonologist, raised concerns about the bill containing “grossly inaccurate” information that goes against science. Despite his efforts to require scientifically accurate content, the bill passed without changes.
Supporters of the bill, like Republican Sen. Amy Grady, argue that the video is not “anti-abortion” but rather a tool to help students understand fetal development. Grady, who is a public school teacher, believes that the video provides a visual representation that can cater to different learning styles. Republican Patricia Rucker also defended the video, stating that it is not political or religious but serves as a conversation starter in schools. However, Democratic Sen. Mike Woelfel expressed concerns about the bill potentially infringing on First Amendment rights, particularly when it comes to differing beliefs about when life begins.
In addition to requiring the “Baby Olivia” video, the bill also mandates the teaching of the Holocaust and a reading of Anne Frank’s diary in tenth or eleventh grade. Live Action, the organization behind the video, is dedicated to promoting a “culture of life” and shifting public opinion on abortion. The group has received significant funding and is known for its efforts to expose Planned Parenthood through undercover videos and reports. Founder Lila Rose defended the video, stating that it was created in consultation with doctors and aims to provide informative and lifelike content about fetal development.
Overall, the passage of the bill in West Virginia highlights the ongoing debate surrounding abortion, education, and the portrayal of fetal development in schools. Critics argue that the video contains inaccuracies and assigns human traits to a fetus, while supporters believe it is a valuable educational tool. The bill’s inclusion of the Holocaust education requirement adds another layer to the controversy, as lawmakers navigate the intersection of education, politics, and personal beliefs.
