Florida Schools Could Be Required to Show Fetal-Development Videos
Legislation Filed to Mandate Fetal-Development Videos in Schools
Florida schools could be required to show students detailed videos of human fetal development under legislation filed this week. The bill, HB 1255, mirrors laws backed by an anti-abortion group and adopted in recent years in North Dakota and Tennessee.
What’s in the Bill?
The multi-pronged education bill includes a requirement to show students in grades 6 through 12 a “high-definition ultrasound video, at least one minute in duration” and a three-minute computer-generated video “showing and describing the process of fertilization and various stages of human development inside the uterus.” The videos are intended to depict the development of the fetus from conception to birth.
Anti-Abortion Group Behind the Video
The videos are from Live Action, an anti-abortion group that has been involved in several controversial campaigns. In the late 2000s, the organization made secret recordings at abortion clinics and posted them online. The group has called for outlawing abortions.
Opposition from Democrats
Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, has criticized the provision, calling it “anti-abortion propaganda” being snuck into sweeping education legislation. She believes the Florida education system is missing the mark on sex education and is heading in the wrong direction with this bill. “This video is not scientific. It is from an anti-abortion organization,” she said. “This is clearly an attempt to continue to push an anti-abortion agenda onto our children — where I thought the legislature didn’t want to indoctrinate kids.”
Context on Sex Education in Florida Schools
Citing a new state law, Florida education officials last year told school districts they could not teach students about contraception or other sex-related topics and must “emphasize abstinence” in any sex education lessons. This new bill would only add to the controversy surrounding sex education in Florida schools.
What’s Next?
The Florida Legislature, which starts its new session on Tuesday, is dominated by Republicans who enacted a strict six-week ban that, with some exceptions, limits most abortions. However, some lawmakers could vote against the bill if “voters hold them accountable.” In November, 57% of Floridians voted to protect abortion rights until viability, or about 24 weeks of pregnancy. Amendment 4, however, needed 60% of the vote to become law and failed to pass.
Conclusion
The bill has sparked controversy, with some calling it “anti-abortion propaganda” and others seeing it as an opportunity to educate students about fetal development. The outcome will depend on the votes of lawmakers and the will of the people of Florida.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the bill?
The bill requires schools to show students in grades 6-12 detailed videos of human fetal development.
* Who is behind the video?
The video is from Live Action, an anti-abortion group.
* What is the current state of sex education in Florida schools?
Citing a new state law, Florida education officials last year told school districts they could not teach students about contraception or other sex-related topics and must “emphasize abstinence” in any sex education lessons.
