Missouri Bill Proposes Full Tax Breaks for Donors to Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers

Missouri could soon offer a groundbreaking incentive for donations to pregnancy resource centers that do not provide abortion services. A new Republican-sponsored bill, SB 681, proposes a 100% tax credit for such contributions beginning in 2026—an upgrade from the current 70% credit in place through 2025. Simply put, every dollar donated would directly reduce the donor's state income tax bill by an equivalent amount.

State Senator Jill Carter, the bill's sponsor, explained the policy's intent: "We don’t want to shift the burden to taxpayers, but rather incentivize individuals to invest in causes they value, like supporting women in their communities." Carter framed the initiative as reflective of conservative principles, emphasizing personal choice in financial support over government intervention.

Under SB 681, taxpayers could claim up to $50,000 in tax credits annually for donations starting at $100, with unused credits rolling over to subsequent years. The bill also eliminates a prior $3.5 million cap on total credits, a move designed to enhance support for pro-life organizations. A similar proposal has already passed a key committee in Missouri’s state House.

Alissa Gross, CEO of Resource Health Services, shared her organization’s success with existing tax credits. "Our budget has grown dramatically, allowing us to assist more families and expand into new areas," she said in written testimony. Cindy Speer, another advocate, highlighted how the credits enabled her center to construct a debt-free facility. She now envisions housing projects for struggling mothers and their babies, calling it a "revolutionary" step toward empowerment.

However, not everyone is on board. Critics argue that such tax credits effectively funnel public funds into "unregulated, anti-abortion pregnancy centers," which often discourage women from seeking abortions. This opposition reflects a broader debate in Missouri, where voters recently enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution, overturning a near-total ban from 2022.

The legislative session is packed with other pro-life measures, including bills to reclassify the abortion drug mifepristone as a controlled substance and proposals to ban abortion after fetal viability or even earlier, when a heartbeat is detected. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has pledged to enforce the state's abortion restrictions where legally permissible, stating, "The government may still protect innocent life after viability."

Missouri’s pro-life push aligns with a broader Republican effort to shape abortion policy nationwide. While states like New York have moved to expand abortion access, others, including Missouri, are doubling down on restrictions. President Donald Trump also recently reinstated the Hyde Amendment via executive order, blocking federal funds for elective abortions and reversing 2022 Biden-era policies.

The outcome of SB 681 and similar bills could have far-reaching implications for Missouri's pro-life movement and its supporters. Whether hailed as a triumph of conservative values or decried as a misuse of public resources, one thing is clear: Missouri’s abortion debate is far from over.