Hunter
06/08/25
A new law signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will require schools to show middle and high school students a fetal development video that, quote, “depicts the humanity of the unborn child.”
The bill was signed by the governor without comment Friday.
Republicans who pushed for the measure argued the law brings humanity in the classroom by teaching students about human development in the womb. A video created by the anti-abortion group Live Action was cited as an example that could be used, but specific references to the “Baby Olivia” video were not included in the final legislation.
The law also forbids schools from using any materials created by an organization that performs or promotes abortions, or makes referrals to abortion providers.
Democrats countered by saying the bill forbids schools from using curriculum developed by medical institutions such as the University of Iowa and the Mayo Clinic, and adds the “Baby Olivia” video contains incorrect information about pregnancy.
The Des Moines Register reports the law strikes a portion of existing Iowa law that lists the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses as groups “leading professional organizations and agencies with relevant experience in the field.”
The law also strikes a line from Iowa code that requires information “that is free of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender biases.” Instead, it inserts language saying information must be “complete” and “unbiased.”