HB 1254 is clean-up legislation of 2011’s HB 1217. After 1217 was passed, sponsors of the bill were asked about the need for the counselor privately meeting with the woman considering an abortion to be liscensed or a certified counselor, nurse, family therapist, psychologist, social worker or physician. HB 1254 will require each Pregnancy Health Center to have on-staff or available by collaborative agreement one or more such licensed or certified counselors.

HB 1254 will clarify the law and ensure women in South Dakota have the benefit of licensed or certified counselor and that doctors performing abortions clearly understand the intent of the legislature as to what risk factors must be considered when making the assessment required under existing law.

HB 1254 was passed in the House of Representatives 56 to 12, with 2 excused on Monday February 13, 2012. To see how your representative voted CLICK HERE.

HB 1254 then moved onto the Senate Health and Human Services committee and the Senate floor where it passed 26 to 7, with 2 excused on Thursday February 23, 2012. To see the senator from your district voted CLICK HERE.

Finally, Governor Dennis Daugaard signed HB 1254 into law on March 2, 2012. To God be the glory!

Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislators! Your involvement is part of history!