Will Florida require schools to show fetal development video?

Jeffrey S. Solochek, Tampa Bay Times on Jan 6, 2026

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The debate over what Florida students learn about fetal development is back on the docket for another round of potentially heated debate.

State Sen. Erin Grall, a Vero Beach Republican, has resurrected the idea of requiring middle and high school students to watch videos showing the growth of an embryo from conception to birth as part of their health education courses.

A similar proposal came under fire in the state House in 2025 amid accusations that lawmakers were advancing anti-abortion materials. House sponsor Rep. Dana Trabulsy eventually removed the video requirement from her bill.

Grall, who previously sponsored Florida’s six-week abortion ban, included the provision into a 52-page education bill (SB 1090) that also would require parents to provide written consent for their children to receive lessons about reproductive heath and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. The latter proposal would replace laws that allow parents to opt their children out of such curriculum.

In the past, school officials have raised concerns that requiring families to opt in could leave many students in the lurch if their parents do not respond, as often is the case.

Grall’s bill, which so far has no House companion, additionally would, among other things:

—Refine language relating to school provision of epinephrine to students having allergic reactions.

—Reduce the time a noncompliant prekindergarten provider may be taken off the approved list to receive state VPK funds.

—Require school districts to implement a “system of comprehensive mathematics instruction."

—Prohibit schools from spending state or federal money on programs or activities that advocate diversity, equity, inclusion or political or social activism.

The bill was one of eight education-related measures filed Monday. Among those, Grall also proposed legislation to prohibit undocumented immigrants from attending Florida public universities, Florida Phoenix reports.

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