State House halts health care provider conscience exemption bill

By: Makenzie Huber

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 11, 2026

Words: 234

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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PIERRE — Legislation that would have allowed South Dakota health care providers to refuse to perform services for patients failed Tuesday at the Capitol. The House of Representatives voted 41-25 against the bill.

Rep. Leslie Heinemann, R-Flandreau, introduced the bill. He said it would allow health care providers to refuse to participate in services that violate their conscience.

“No one should be forced to choose between their faith and their profession,” Heinemann said.

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