Abortion Opponent To Leave South Dakota Legislature

Courtesy of @JonHansenSD on Twitter

A staunch pro-life legislator will resign from his South Dakota district to study law.   State Representative Jon Hansen has announced plans to resign later his seat later this year. Hansen, a Republican from Dell Rapids, plans to further his education at the University of South Dakota.

Hansen shared his thought process with Governor Dennis Daugaard and this excerpt of the resignation letter was released by Daugaard’s office, “It is through much thought and prayer that I have decided to take this opportunity to further my education. It has been a great honor to serve my district as a representative, and I am forever appreciative of their support.”

Hansen has served in the state House since 2011. He represents District 25, which includes north and east Minnehaha County, including the cities of Dell Rapids, Baltic, Garretson, Colton, Lyons, Valley Springs, and Rowena. It also includes the area in eastern Sioux Falls near South Sycamore Avenue and East 26thStreet.

Hansen was a prime sponsor of HB1237 which altered the wait time for women to get an abortion. Previously South Dakota law required women to first consult with a physician, then wait 72 hours before following through with the procedure. HB1237 amended that 72 hour period to disallow weekends and holidays in the calculations. The bill was passed and signed by Governor Daugaard.

The resignation, which Hansen plans to officially submit in early August, will create a vacancy that will be filled by a gubernatorial appointment, and the Governor is asking members of the public to nominate candidates to fill the position. Those wishing to offer nominations should contact Will Mortenson in the Office of the Governor at 605-773-5999.