An Arizona congressman plans to introduce a bill Wednesday that would end a tax deduction for abortions.

“For years, the pro-abortion movement has marketed abortion as a form of reproductive health care,” Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., said in a statement provided to The Daily Signal.

“But it’s time for us to be honest with ourselves – health care is primarily a restorative function, one that helps our bodies heal from a disease or ailment. Under no circumstances should health care include the intentional taking of a life. The ‘Abortion Is Not Health Care Act’ is a small step towards ending the federal government’s treatment of abortion as a ‘healing medical practice,’” he added.

The legislation, according to Biggs’ office, would not allow taxpayers to count abortion costs toward tax-deductible medical expenses under the federal tax code. According to IRS.gov, taxpayers may deduct medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income.

Such a letter is official correspondence from a member of the House or Senate that is circulated to other congressional offices.

“With hundreds of thousands of legal abortions performed every year in the United States, there is no reason that the federal government should continue to incentivize ending a life as a healthy form of reproductive care,” Biggs adds in the letter. 

Republican co-sponsors of the legislation include House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows of North Carolina, as well as Reps. Ted Budd of North Carolina, Randy Weber of Texas, Ken Buck of Colorado, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Steve King of Iowa, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, Bob Gibbs of Ohio, Mo Brooks of Alabama, and Matt Gaetz, Greg Steube, and Gus Bilirakis of Florida.

The legislation has been endorsed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the March for Life, Heritage Action for America, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, and the Center for Arizona Policy.

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