The New Mexico Family Action Movement (NM FAM) has called for the state to implement protections similar to those outlined in a federal order by former President Donald Trump. This order, which bans federal funding for gender-transition procedures for minors, including puberty blockers, was highlighted in a press release issued on January 30.
According to the press release, Trump's executive order not only prohibits federal funding for these procedures but also mandates a comprehensive review of their long-term effects. It further calls for an end to misleading information regarding their safety and efficacy.
Reuters has reported that gender-affirming surgeries for minors carry significant risks. These include severe complications that may necessitate additional surgeries. A study conducted in California found that 25% of vaginoplasty patients experienced complications serious enough to require hospitalization, with 44% needing further surgical intervention. Additionally, the use of puberty blockers and hormones before surgery can stunt genital development, complicating future procedures and potentially impacting sexual function.
In 2021, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton investigated pharmaceutical companies AbbVie and Endo for allegedly promoting puberty blockers off-label for transgender youth without disclosing associated risks. Originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for early puberty and prostate cancer treatment, these drugs have faced political and legal scrutiny. The case aligns with Texas' broader efforts to restrict transgender healthcare access.
According to their website, NM FAM works in alliance with the Family Policy Alliance (FPA) to advocate for policies in New Mexico that protect life, families, and religious freedom. Their efforts span from grassroots initiatives to state legislative advocacy.