Republicans are pushing for an expanded child tax credit that would apply credit to fetuses in the womb.
Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, has asked the House to consider the Providing For Life Act, a bill that would significantly change the government’s family care system, Fox News reports.
"By expanding the child tax credit to include the unborn and providing additional support to working families, empowering women to care for their babies regardless of socioeconomic status or zip code and improving access to community resources, we can make a meaningful difference for those in need," Hinson said.
"These provisions, and others championed by the pro-life community, will ensure we protect the most vulnerable and make critical investments in the long-term well-being of our families."
As part of the bill, a refundable child tax credit would expand to $3,500 cap for children 5 and under, and $4,500 for children ages 6-17. Under the bill, parents would have to be employed to receive the credit.
Finally, the tax credit would expand to unborn children. After the dependent is born, parents would then be able to claim the tax credit in the prior year during the pregnancy and also be able to claim the regular tax credit in the current year.
The bill would also allow parents to draw from their Social Security to help with costs of taking three months of paid parental leave. There are also incentives for states to set guidelines on father’s paying for the mother’s pregnancy expenses.
Hinson has also asked that more programs be launched on college campuses and pregnancy resource centers to create a “federal clearinghouse of resources.”
In the Senate, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has introduced a separate package that he says would provide “real assistance” to families.
"Supporting pregnant mothers and their unborn children is essential, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because America’s continued strength depends on the next generation," Rubio told Fox News Digital. "This comprehensive legislation will provide real assistance for American parents and children in need. We need policies like these to show America that conservatives are pro-life across the board," he concluded.
Photo courtesy: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/petrunjela
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
