The Rise of Fetal Development Education in Schools
In August, Republican Rep. Gino Bulso stood before a group of state lawmakers and announced the passage of a new law in Tennessee that required students to watch a fetal ultrasound or a computer-animated video of a fetus developing in the womb as part of their sex education curriculum. This law marked the second of its kind in the United States, following North Dakota’s 2023 legislation. The event was hosted by Live Action, an anti-abortion advocacy nonprofit that has been instrumental in pushing for such policies across the country.
Live Action’s annual report highlights its mission to end abortion through policy changes and persuasion strategies. At the event, Bulso shared his experience in passing the bill, emphasizing how he worked with Live Action to ensure the materials were scientifically accurate. His panel, “The Agenda for Life in Schools and Beyond,” focused on how other states could replicate this success.
After the event, at least 10 lawmakers from different states introduced similar bills, some proposing that even third graders watch fetal development videos. The influence of Live Action extended beyond the event itself, as many legislators who attended posted about it on social media or were featured in promotional materials. Despite keeping its attendee list private, the organization has clearly had a significant impact on legislative efforts nationwide.
Since 2023, more than 20 additional states have proposed fetal development education laws, with six of them passing them. As a result, nearly 4 million children will attend schools in states that require them to view these materials during sex education classes. Some legislators have gone further, proposing that students also watch depictions of abortions, including computer-animated videos.
The Role of Public Schools in the Abortion Debate
The fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022 intensified the fight over abortion rights, making public schools a key battleground. While 12 states now ban abortion in all circumstances, the number of procedures has increased nationwide. Public support for abortion rights has also risen, prompting anti-abortion advocates to focus on shaping the views of young people through education.
Critics argue that fetal development education materials are manipulative propaganda, while organizations like Live Action claim they are medically accurate and unbiased. However, experts in sex education note that the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools creates a vacuum for groups like Live Action to fill.
Alisa Von Hagel, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, says anti-abortion groups aim to reach children early, before they are exposed to other perspectives. “They’re attempting to be the first to imprint this quote, unquote ‘knowledge’ or opinion about these issues,” she explains.
The Impact of "Meet Baby Olivia"
One of Live Action’s most controversial videos is "Meet Baby Olivia," which portrays a fetus as a person with emotions and actions. The video claims to have shifted viewers toward pro-life perspectives, but medical experts have criticized its language and portrayal of fetal development. Nisha Verma of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called the video emotionally manipulative rather than factual.
Despite the criticism, "Meet Baby Olivia" has been used in several states, including New Hampshire, where Republican Rep. John Sellers introduced bills requiring its use in schools. These proposals faced strong opposition, with hundreds of residents submitting testimony against them. Sellers defended the legislation as nonpolitical, arguing that it aimed to educate students about fetal development and abortion.
The Debate Over Curriculum and Bias
The debate over fetal development education extends to concerns about bias and the role of anti-abortion groups in shaping school curricula. Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California-Davis, notes that there are gaps in current sex education programs, which often lack information on pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion.
While some anti-abortion Republicans have opposed direct promotion of Live Action materials, others, like Arkansas Rep. Mary Bentley, support using "Meet Baby Olivia" in schools. She argued that having a standardized video would make it easier for districts to comply with the law.
Arkansas Sen. Breanne Davis, however, raised concerns about requiring content from a political advocacy group. She proposed an alternative bill that would set standards for fetal development education without mandating specific videos. Her bill was signed into law, while Bentley’s measure failed.
The Future of Fetal Development Education
Live Action’s efforts reflect a broader strategy by anti-abortion groups to influence school curricula. Organizations like Heartbeat International also offer training and resources to educators, aiming to shape students’ views on life and abortion.
As the debate continues, the question remains: Should schools include materials from anti-abortion groups in sex education? For some, the answer is clear—education should be neutral and based on scientific facts. For others, it’s about ensuring that students understand the moral implications of abortion.
For now, the battle over fetal development education in schools shows no signs of slowing down, with both sides continuing to push their agendas in the name of public health and moral values.