Tennessee lawmakers pass bill to require anti-abortion group video, or comparable, in public schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee would become the latest state to require public school students to watch a video on fetal development produced by an anti-abortion group, or something comparable, under legislation that is headed to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.

The GOP-dominated Senate passed the legislation Thursday, with the five Democrats in attendance and one Republican voting to oppose.

The Senate voted down various Democratic amendments: to let parents opt their children out of watching the video; to let school districts decide whether to show it; to show a disclaimer that it’s scientifically inaccurate political propaganda; and to let schools teach comprehensive sex education.

“This cutesy, shiny, pink video is offensively childish and it diminishes the complexity of reproductive health,” said Democratic Sen. Heidi Campbell. “It’s insulting to women and it’s insulting to the medical profession.”

The bill’s sponsor, Republican Sen. Janice Bowling, argued the video is accurate.

“It does show conception and it’s an AI-type of film, but it’s medically correct,” Bowling said. “And it shows the moment when the sperm unites with the egg, and that is the beginning of life.”

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