ACT FAST: Ohio Could Give Tax Credits for Unborn Children
Ohio State Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery) has introduced a new bill aimed at allowing parents to claim unborn children as dependents on their state income taxes. The proposed legislation, known as the Strategic Tax Opportunities for Raising Kids (STORK) Act, would enable Ohioans to include embryos or fetuses as dependents if conceived during the taxable year.
Details of the STORK Act
In a video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) page, Click explained the bill: “You can claim your child as a deduction on your state taxes the year that they were conceived and not the year that they were born. This is going to help young families get a head start.”
Click emphasized the financial burden of child-rearing that begins before birth, stating, “Any parent can tell you that the costs of child-rearing begin piling up well before a baby is born. We should absolutely be in the practice of supporting young families.”
Mixed Reactions to the Proposal
The proposal has received a range of responses. In a statement to Newsweek, Click acknowledged the bill’s timing might delay its passage but expressed hope for future discussion. He also addressed concerns that the bill could be perceived as a step toward eroding abortion rights: “I find it interesting that some people seem to love the concept and yet remain apprehensive because of their predisposed positions on abortion. However, I believe this bill benefits everyone.”
Debate Over Fetal Personhood
The STORK Act is part of a broader legislative trend recognizing fetal personhood, which has ignited debates across the U.S. Similar efforts include the federal Life at Conception Act, introduced in 2021, which seeks to grant embryos and fetuses a constitutional right to life from conception.
Anti-abortion advocates support such measures, with Bradley Kehr from Americans United for Life commenting, “This common-sense legislation is a win for Ohio parents and families. The tax code should reflect that expectant mothers are already mothers.”
Criticism and Concerns
Critics argue that the bill could be an incremental step toward undermining abortion rights. Pregnancy Justice, a pregnancy-rights advocacy group, warned that such measures could diminish the rights of pregnant individuals. Senior Vice President Dana Sussman said, “The promise of tax credits today at the expense of bodily autonomy forever is a losing proposition.”
Academic Perspectives on Fetal Rights
Prof. Mary Ziegler, a legal scholar and author, provided insight into the implications of such legislation. She noted that while recognizing fetal life in non-criminal contexts might not seem troubling, it could be part of a broader strategy to establish fetal personhood. Prof. Ziegler highlighted that similar laws in other states have been viewed as steps toward more restrictive measures on abortion.
Click’s Response to Concerns
In response to fears about hidden agendas, Click stated, “While I may disagree with the recent amendment to Ohio’s Constitution, it is done. They were successful. It’s time to lay aside the conspiracy theories and give our young and upcoming families a little room to breathe and grow.”
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