BY JAKE NEHER
Michigan Public Radio Network
Expecting families could claim a fetus as a dependent under legislation before the state House.
The House Tax Policy Committee heard testimony on the measure Tuesday.
The legislation would let people claim a fetus at least 12 weeks along as a dependent. Supporters say it would give expecting families extra cash that could be used for prenatal care and other costs related to pregnancy.
"They have added expenses as their family is growing, and this will help offset some of those expenses."
But opponents of the measure say it's actually a step toward so-called "fetal personhood," which could further restrict or even eliminate abortions. They say adding rights for fetuses in tax law could lead to more rights in other legal areas.
The nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency estimates the bills would cost the state between five and ten million dollars a year in lost revenue.
Copyright 2012, MPRN