Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — A bill that would require that schools show an ultrasound as well as a video about fetal development to students in 4th through 12th grades has passed the Iowa Senate.
Senator Jeff Taylor, a Republican from Sioux Center, says the video will encourage respect for life, no matter how small.
Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner of Iowa City says the bill pushes a political agenda.
All but one Democrat in the Senate voted against the bill. Senator Molly Donahue, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says the bill is based on an ideology and local schools should decide what’s appropriate to show in classrooms.
Republican Senator Kevin Alons of Salix says the bill addresses the fundamental question of when life begins.
Republicans in previous years have proposed similar bills that would have required that schools show a video — titled “Baby Olivia” — that was produced by a group that opposes abortion. This year’s version does not mention a specific video.
