Representative John Sellers represents Grafton County, District 18 and lives in Bristol, New Hampshire. You can contact him at John.Sellers@leg.state.nh.us.

It is said that ‘everything you need to know in life you learn in kindergarten.’

Education is the foundation of our life experiences and is often the only way children learn new ideas, form unique perspectives and even establish their moral compass. Each school year, students have the opportunity to grow academically and socially. In turn, each aspect of their educational experience should support society.

As a state representative in the New Hampshire legislature, I am dedicated to reducing school spending and getting back to the basics in the classroom. This includes teaching our kids to read and do math as well as strengthing their understanding of fundamental truths.

Life begins at fertilization, and our educational system needs to teach this fundamental truth. That’s why I have proposed three separate educational bills that focus on informing students about the biological development of life in the womb, what takes place during various abortion procedures and the open and closed adoption programs that exist to respect human rights at any child’s age.

House bill 667, the “Baby Olivia” bill, focuses on teaching children about the humanity of the baby, even as it develops before birth. Meet Baby Olivia is a video campaign created by Live Action, a pro-life nonprofit, and reviewed by accredited OBGYNs to show audiences the spectacular life of a baby growing within the womb. With 60 million views online, this scientifically-accurate video depicts scenes from the moment of fertilization and beyond to show the baby’s humanity throughout each stage of development in the womb.

Human life starts at fertilization, but it is crucial to illustrate that fact visually. This brief four-minute animated film will educate our grade school students and help them grasp that life begins before birth, despite pro-choice narratives.

I also proposed a separate bill, House bill 662, requiring school districts to educate students regarding abortion during health education classes for students in grades 9 through 12. This bill would require the discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of specific videos during health education to provide a complete understanding of what an abortion involves.

The critical thing to know about this series of animated videos is that it is presented by board-certified OBGYNs who have themselves performed abortions. Each of the four videos describes different abortion procedures using clinical terminology and also speaks to the physical and emotional consequences that come from having an abortion. These resources are based on science and are meant to show students how each procedure is performed.

The latest CDC data reveals that women in their twenties have the most abortions, so it is vitally important that we share the details of this procedure in our high schools to educate teenage students. Most women who choose this route for themselves and their babies aren’t informed about what occurs during the procedure.

The third bill, House bill 730, also known as the “Adoption is an Option” bill, aims to enhance awareness of the alternatives available to pregnant mothers facing unexpected pregnancies. This legislation will inform high school students about various adoption options within New Hampshire and provide them additional resources, including information about the Safe Haven Expansion Bill, which became law last year.

I am confident these bills will pass but not without challenges. Teaching our kids about conception, the beginnings of life and abortion can be a hot topic, and the media will create a battle over anything.

By providing students with more education about when life begins, what happens during an abortion and alternative options, like adoption, I’m confident these educational bills will protect our children. As a society, we will all reap the benefits.