Rep. Melanie Miller Provides Sponsor Testimony in Senate on Baby Olivia Act

Columbus, OH - State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) this week provided sponsor testimony in the Senate Education Committee on the Baby Olivia Act, legislation that enhances science education in Ohio public schools by requiring the inclusion of a medically accurate video about early human development in school curriculum.

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.

"Understanding how the human body develops is a foundational part of science education," said Rep. Miller. "The Baby Olivia Act ensures students have access to medically accurate, age-appropriate resources that help them better understand human development and their own bodies, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being."

House Bill 485 makes the following updates:

• Requires each public school to provide human growth and development instruction in its curriculum for grades 5-12, which must include a high-definition ultrasound video and the "Meet Baby Olivia" video, or a substantially similar video in its human growth and development instruction
• Ensures content is age-appropriate and aligned with educational standards.
• Exempts Chartered-Nonpublic schools, clarifying that this requirement only applies to public schools.
• Explicitly states that a student can be excused from the instruction upon written request of the student's parent or guardian.

Similar legislation has been introduced in more than 20 states, with versions of the bill being passed in seven states.

House Bill 485 passed the House in November following deliberation in the House Education Committee.

To watch Rep. Miller's testimony in the Senate Education Committee, click here.