South Dakota legislation · 101st Legislature (2026)
South Dakota HB1257: amend the definition of an abortion.
Status: Signed into law, March 30, 2026
What the bill says
An Act ENTITLED An Act to amend the definition of an abortion.
From the enrolled text, March 4, 2026:
An Act ENTITLED An Act to amend the definition of an abortion. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That § 22-17-5.1 be AMENDED: 22-17-5.1. Any person who administers to any pregnant female or who prescribes or procures for any pregnant female any medicine, drug, or substance or uses or employs any instrument or other means with intent thereby to procure an abortion, as defined in § 34-23A-1, unless there is appropriate and reasonable medical judgment that performance of an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant female, is guilty of a Class 6 felony. Section 2. That § 34-23A-1 be AMENDED: 34-23A-1. Terms used in this chapter mean: (1) "Abortion," the intentional termination of the life of a human being in the uterus, provided the term does not include: (a) Medical treatment that is provided to a pregnant female and results in the accidental or unintentional death of the unborn child; (b) Treatment to resolve a miscarriage; (c) The treatment or removal of an ectopic pregnancy; (d) The removal from the uterus of a deceased unborn child; or (e) Any medical procedure performed for the purpose of saving the life or preserving the health of the unborn child; (1A) "Abortion facility," a place where abortions are performed; (1B) "Department," …
Sponsors
- Tamara Grove (R, SD-026) · primary sponsor
- Leslie Heinemann (R, HD-025) · primary sponsor
- Terri Jorgenson (R, HD-029)
- John Sjaarda (R, HD-002)
- Bethany Soye (R, HD-009)
Latest actions
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Delivered to the Governor
- : Signed by the President
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Do Pass
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in Senate and referred to State Affairs
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Do Pass Amended
Votes
- Do Pass Amended (March 3, 2026): 31 yea, 2 nay, passed
- Do Pass (March 2, 2026): 8 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (February 23, 2026): 10 yea, 2 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (February 23, 2026): 60 yea, 6 nay, passed
Subjects: Abortion, Crimes, Health Care, Medical Records, Public Health and Safety
Common questions
- What is HB1257?
- HB1257 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (101st Legislature (2026)): amend the definition of an abortion.
- What does HB1257 do?
- In its own words: An Act ENTITLED An Act to amend the definition of an abortion.
- What is the status of HB1257?
- Signed into law as of March 30, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor (March 30, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1257?
- Tamara Grove (R, SD-026), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1257?
- On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26454
Source: official South Dakota record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.