Rep. Melanie Miller Champions Baby Olivia Act

State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) yesterday announced the introduction of the Baby Olivia Act, legislation that would enhance health education in Ohio public schools by requiring the inclusion of a medically accurate video about early human growth and development in school curriculum in grades three through twelve. 

Rep. Miller was joined by Kate Makra, President of the Right to Life Action Coalition, and David Mahan, Policy Executive Director for the Center for Christian Virtue, at the Ohio Statehouse yesterday to discuss House Bill 485. The bill requires schools to include a high-quality, age-appropriate video in classes that cover human growth, development or sexuality that shows prenatal development through detailed animation or ultrasound imagery. The video would demonstrate the formation of key organs such as the heart, brain, and limbs, providing students with a clear, scientific understanding of early human biology. 

“Every child deserves to learn the truth about the miracle of human development.  The Baby Olivia Act ensures that Ohio students are given a clear, science-based picture of life in the womb,” said Miller.  “By championing this legislation, I want to equip the next generation with knowledge that fosters respect for human life and an appreciation for the incredible biology that begin at conception.”

The name of the bill is inspired by a video called Baby Olivia, which shows the life of a baby growing within the womb. Backed by scientific accuracy, the video depicts the moment life begins and beyond to demonstrate each stage of early human development.

“CCV is excited to support the Baby Olivia Act,” said Mahan.  “This instruction will give students of all ages a rare glimpse into how they came into this world, and hopefully engender a sense of renewed value and respect for themselves and others.”

“How many times have we heard the rationale that an embryo or a fetus is just ‘pregnancy tissue’ or a ‘clump of cells,’ or worse yet, not even human?” said Makra.  “This dehumanization of the unborn must stop, and it can only be overcome by teaching children the truth about the humanity of the child in the womb.  The Baby Olivia Act will accomplish this objective.” 

House Bill 485 makes the following updates:

• Requires use of a scientifically accurate video in applicable health, science, or any courses that covers human growth, development, or sexuality.
• Ensures content is age-appropriate and aligned with educational standards.
• Supplements existing curriculum with engaging, evidence-based visual material.

Similar legislation has been introduced in over 20 states, with six states passing these bills into laws. 

To see Rep. Miller’s full remarks from the press conference, please click here.