Mich House bills tout fetus tax break

Associated Press

Updated: Nov 21, 2012 10:33 AM

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers are considering bills that would grant a tax break to parents who can show that a fetus is at least 12 weeks old at the end of a year.

The legislation would treat a fetus the same as a child for purposes of a tax deduction. The bills got a hearing Tuesday in a House committee and could come up for votes before lawmakers close their session in December.

Republican Rep. Jud Gilbert of Algonac says it's an attempt to recognize that a pregnancy brings expenses. The tax break could cost the state $5 million to $10 million a year in revenue.

The Michigan branch of the National Organization for Women is criticizing the legislation, saying it's an attempt to extend legal rights to the unborn.

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