Breast-feeding tax deductions stirring debate
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Do breast pumps have political leanings?
A recent decision by the Internal Revenue Service to recognize breast pumps and breast-feeding supplies as tax-deductible medical expenses has led some to question if breast-feeding has become part of a political agenda.
After Michelle Obama announced just before the IRS ruling that she would support breast-feeding as part of her campaign against child obesity, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., pegged the first lady's position as "hard left" and suggested she was creating a "nanny state."
Sarah Palin made a similar jab at Ms. Obama in a speech Thursday, media outlets reported.
"No wonder Michelle Obama is telling everybody, 'You'd better breast-feed your baby,' " Ms. Palin said. "Yeah, you'd better, because the price of milk is so high right now."
Previously, the IRS did not classify breast-feeding supplies as tax-deductible because it viewed them as nutritional benefits instead of medical care expenses. Under the new ruling, nursing mothers can write off breast-feeding equipment if they have flexible spending accounts or if their total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, which has pushed the IRS for years to classify breast-feeding supplies as medical expenses, strongly supports the ruling, said Richard Schanler, chair of the AAP's breast-feeding section.
"All mothers should have the ability to be able to provide milk for their babies," Dr. Schanler said. "There are tremendous benefits to breast-feeding."
Last month, U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin issued a "Call to Action to Support Breast-feeding," stating that breast-feeding can protect babies from infections and illnesses, including pneumonia and diarrhea. Breast-fed babies are also less likely to develop asthma and to become obese, the report said.
The Allegheny County Health Department annually awards businesses and public places for accommodating nursing mothers. Department spokesman Guillermo Cole said the new tax ruling will financially benefit mothers who pay out of pocket for breast-feeding supplies.
"I don't know that it's going to cause a dramatic spike in the breast-feeding rate, but it's certainly helpful," Mr. Cole said. "It recognizes that this is an expenditure made that has a positive effect for the health of our community."
First Published February 21, 2011 12:00 am
