Bill To Help Parents Of Stillborn Babies

The Michigan House has unanimously approved a bill proposed by Representative Mary Whiteford of Allegan County designed to help the parents of stillborn babies. Whiteford tells WSJM News it would give a one-time income tax personal exemption on that child.

“We have 55 co-sponsors of the bill, so it’s truly bipartisan,” Whiteford said. “In the House of Representatives we care about families, and we’re going to do whatever we can to help them and give them some relief during these very difficult times.”

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports there are roughly 550 to 650 stillbirths a year in Michigan, leaving parents with hospital bills and funeral expenses. The claimants would need to have the Certificate of Stillbirth from the Health Department to qualify. The legislation now heads for Senate consideration.