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Missouri offers tax exemptions for stillborn babies

Missouri State SealJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri is joining at least one other state in offering a tax exemption for stillbirths.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon this week signed legislation allowing parents with a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth to exempt $1,200 from their income taxes, starting this year.

Arizona appears to be the only other state with a similar policy.

Republican Sen. Ed Emery of Lamar offered the proposal. He says his wife miscarried three times. Emery says families have medical expenses even if a pregnant woman does not deliver a live baby.

The bill received overwhelming support in Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature.

But some Democrats raised concerns that it could fuel broader definitions of personhood, which some say could restrict access to abortions.

The law takes effect Aug. 28.

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