HB 1212 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

revise provisions in order to strengthen protections for unborn children.

HB 1212 repeals a provision that previously shielded women from criminal liability for unlawful abortions. It removes the exception that prevented homicide charges when an abortion caused an unborn child's death, making such cases subject to standard homicide laws (Class B felony). The bill directly affects women seeking abortions and medical providers performing them, as it eliminates prior legal protections for abortion-related deaths. Exceptions for lifesaving procedures to preserve the mother's life or spontaneous miscarriages remain unchanged.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2026 Last action Feb 5, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Health and Human Services Deferred to the 41st legislative day , Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 4 H.J. 13
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Health and Human Services Do Pass , Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 8 H.J. 12
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Referred to House Health and Human Services H.J. 194
lower
9 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors