Jodi Hendricks, executive director of the New Mexico Family Action Movement (NMFAM), said that Senate Bill 500 ensures families remain central to medical decisions affecting children. She made this statement in a press release on February 27.
"Parents know their children best, and they should never be left out of decisions that impact their future," said Hendricks. "It's about ensuring that young people have the time, support, and knowledge they need before making decisions that will affect them for a lifetime. SB500 protects children, empowers parents, and provides a safety net for those who need help reclaiming their biological identity."
Senate Bill 500, titled the "Detransitioner Protection Act," was introduced during the 57th New Mexico Legislature's first session in 2025 by Senators David M. Gallegos and Jay C. Block. The bill aims to protect individuals who choose to detransition after undergoing gender transition procedures. It includes provisions for definitions, penalties, enforcement, and establishes a private right of action for affected individuals.
According to KFF, the introduction of SB 500 by NMFAM comes amid a national debate over gender-affirming care for minors. As of February 2025, more than 20 U.S. states have enacted or proposed legislation restricting such medical procedures for individuals under 18, citing concerns about long-term effects and the need for parental involvement in these decisions.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that 13.1% of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who had pursued gender affirmation reported a history of detransition. The majority cited external factors, such as pressure from family or societal stigma, as reasons for detransitioning, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Hendricks is also a licensed mental health counselor and a native of Albuquerque. She holds degrees from Bob Jones University and Wayland Baptist University and advocates for parental rights, religious freedoms, and family-centered policies.
