Ohio House Approves Bill Requiring Public Schools to Show ‘Baby Olivia’ Video

The Ohio House passed H.B. 485, the “Enact Baby Olivia Act,” requiring public schools to show students a video about fetal development produced by an anti-abortion group, starting in fifth through twelfth grades in 2026–27. The bill also mandates a three-minute ultrasound video, with a parental opt-out.

Supporters say it teaches human development as science, while critics, including medical experts and Planned Parenthood, argue the video is scientifically inaccurate and inappropriate for younger students. An amendment to restrict it to high school students was rejected. The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate.

The bill engages the Right of the Child to Education, which includes access to age-appropriate, accurate information about human development. Children have the right to learn in ways that support their understanding of science and health, while respecting their capacity to process sensitive topics at each developmental stage.