By Jodi Hendricks, New Mexico Family Action Movement
February 10, 2025
On January 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at halting the chemical and surgical mutilation of children under the false pretense of “gender-affirming care.” This order represents a crucial step in protecting vulnerable children from irreversible medical procedures that can cause lifelong harm. As New Mexicans, we must not only support this order but also ensure that our state fully upholds and expands protections for all children in our care.
The rise of gender identity confusion among youth has spurred a dangerous trend of medical interventions that are often irreversible. Puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries meant to alter a child’s physical appearance carry profound and permanent consequences. These procedures rob children of their natural development, often leading to sterilization, medical complications, and emotional distress that may last a lifetime. Tragically, many of these children later regret their decisions but are left with no way to undo the damage. Minors are unable to consent to these life altering medications and surgery, not to mention that these longterm consequences are often left out of the conversation between doctors and the children and parents.
President Trump’s executive order addresses this growing crisis by directing federal agencies to end funding, support, and promotion of these life-altering procedures for minors. Under this order, the government will no longer sponsor the transition of children, and steps will be taken to increase research and awareness of the long-term effects of these treatments. This is a monumental shift in policy that prioritizes the well-being of children over the influence of radical ideologies and so-called medical standards that have been discredited by both scientific scrutiny and real-life outcomes.
While the executive order is a national victory, the fight does not end with Washington. New Mexico must rise to the occasion and take swift action to protect its children. Currently, New Mexico does not have sufficient legal barriers in place to prevent these dangerous procedures, and many children across the state could be vulnerable to misguided treatment plans that disregard their long term well-being. The medical community in New Mexico must be held accountable for any involvement in these harmful practices, and lawmakers must take decisive steps to ensure children are not exposed to irreversible treatments without proper counseling, informed consent, and a clear understanding of the lifelong impact.
We must also protect parents’ rights to make informed decisions about their children’s healthcare. The current landscape of “gender-affirming care” often excludes parental input, and in some cases, children may be taken from their families if they do not consent to transitioning procedures. This erosion of parental rights cannot be tolerated, and New Mexico must take action to safeguard the rights of parents to protect their children from unnecessary harm.
Now is the time to stand up for our children. We must fully support President Trump’s executive order, work to strengthen our state’s protections, and guarantee that no child in New Mexico will ever be subjected to irreversible chemical or surgical procedures in the name of
“gender-affirming care.” Together, we can ensure that every child in our state grows up with the full potential to lead a healthy, happy life, free from harm and regret.
It is time for New Mexico to take a stand for our children and their future.
