Politics & Finances

New Legislation Would Expand Child Tax Credit to Include Fetuses

New Legislation Would Expand Child Tax Credit to Include Fetuses

New GOP legislation that would expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to include fetuses has been introduced in Congress. 

According to a new report about the bill, which was introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), the Providing For Life Act is designed to help parents care for their children quite literally from day one. Hinson said, “Providing for your child begins the second a woman finds out she is pregnant — from making doctor’s appointments, to stocking up on diapers, and searching for child care."

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Credit: Mayte Torres/Getty Images

Hinson's legislation joins another bill introduced by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) in January. Rubio's proposal would boost the existing Child Tax Credit to provide up to $4,500 for employed parents if their children are 5 years of age or younger and $3,500 if their children are between ages 6 and 17.

It is worth noting that this isn't the first time Republican lawmakers have attempted to expand the CTC to include unborn babies. 

Similar bills -- both entitled The Child Tax Credit For Pregnant Moms -- were on the table in both 2019 and 2022. The State of Georgia has already made it possible for parents to claim embryos on their state tax returns, if they meet certain criteria.

Additionally, Rubio's bid to enhance the current CTC is part of an ongoing effort by some legislators. The popular federal tax credit was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but, despite positive signs last fall, Congress was ultimately unable to reach a deal to make the expansion permanent.

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Credit: Sally Anscombe/Getty Images

A September 2022 report from the Census Bureau notes that the nationwide poverty rate fell to 7.8% in 2021, the lowest level on record. This was largely due to pandemic-related stimulus payments, including the expanded CTC.

The Census Bureau's data indicates that child poverty fell by approximately half, with the credit playing a major role.

Around the same time last year, Business Insider spoke to Chuck Marr, vice president of federal tax policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Marr said, "This is what policy success looks like. This was a historic achievement to reduce child poverty by a record amount driven by the expansion of the child tax credit."

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Ritchie Torres of New York, Suzan DelBene of Washington, and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) have been a particularly vocal proponents of the expanded credit. 

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Credit: Jordan Siemens/Getty Images

It is worth noting that there has also been Republican support for some type of extension. Last July, Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) was joined by two other Senators in introducing the Family Security Act 2.0.

What do you think? Should the CTC include expectant parents?

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Feature Image Credit: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez/Getty Images

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Rebekah Barton

Rebekah Barton

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