Colorado voters have spoken loudly in favor of protecting children. In the recent statewide election, Proposition 135 passed with a clear majority, updating the Colorado Revised Statutes to forbid any surgery on a minor for the purpose of altering the minor’s biological sex characteristics. The measure also bars health‑care professionals, insurers, Medicaid and any state or federal funds from covering such procedures.

What the amendment does

The new language adds a specific prohibition to Colorado law: no health‑care provider may knowingly perform, prescribe, administer, or provide any surgery to a minor that seeks to change the child’s biological sex characteristics. In addition, the amendment bars the use of state or federal funds—including Medicaid reimbursement and private insurance—to pay for these surgeries.

Why Colorado voters supported the measure

Supporters of Proposition 135 framed the amendment as a necessary safeguard for families and children. They argued that minors are not developmentally equipped to make irreversible medical decisions that could have lifelong consequences. By removing public funding and prohibiting the surgeries outright, the measure aims to ensure that parental authority and the child’s best interests remain central in health‑care decisions.

Opposition and criticism

Critics, including several national advocacy groups, contend that the ban infringes on the rights of transgender youth and limits access to medically recognized care. They describe the amendment as discriminatory and warn that it could push families to seek unsafe, unregulated alternatives. These groups are largely based outside Colorado and have a clear policy agenda against restrictions on gender‑affirming care.

Official response

Colorado’s Secretary of State confirmed that the amendment has been officially added to the state statutes and will take effect immediately. State health officials indicated they will work with hospitals and clinics to ensure compliance, and they emphasized that the law does not affect adult patients seeking similar procedures.

Implications for families and health‑care providers

For parents, the passage of Proposition 135 provides a clear legal framework that protects minors from undergoing irreversible surgeries without mature consent. Health‑care providers will need to adjust their policies and billing practices to align with the new statutory language, and insurers will have to update coverage guidelines accordingly.

Looking ahead

The vote reflects a broader national conversation about the role of government in safeguarding children’s health and the rights of parents to guide medical decisions. While Colorado’s action is state‑specific, it may influence legislative efforts in other states that are considering similar protections for minors.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.