Family Physicians, House of Medicine Release Statement Opposing Prop 135

Colorado Medical Groups & Doctors Support Families’ Right to Make Medical Decisions Free from Government Interference

Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Society, Colorado Psychiatric Society, Colorado Nurses Association and the Colorado Section of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists oppose Prop 135

COLORADO – Statewide medical organizations and doctors oppose Colorado’s anti-LGBTQ+ ballot measures that would insert government into personal healthcare decisions that should be left to parents and the professionals they trust.”Every week, Colorado physicians place IUDs, perform C-sections, repair undescended testes, treat endometriosis and genital tumors, and preserve fertility for kids about to start cancer treatment. Prop 135 doesn’t clearly exempt any of that care. It bans care based on why it’s provided, and that’s a judgment call, not a diagnosis. When the law is that vague, doctors hesitate, and kids who need care wait or go without,” said Doctor Mary Fairbanks, retired physician of more than 30 years.

Colorado Medical Society (CMS): “CMS members hold diverse political views but share a core principle: medical decisions belong in the exam room. CMS remains committed to defending physician-led, patient-centered care and ensuring clinical decisions are guided by medical expertise, science and the unique needs of each patient.”

Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP Colorado):“Every patient – especially children and adolescents – should be treated with dignity and respect. That includes transgender youth, many of whom face unique challenges navigating their identity. Patients, their families, and their physicians – not the government – should be the ones to make decisions together about what care is best for them. AAP Colorado will continue to stand with children and families to advocate for their rights to seek appropriate medical care, free from government intrusion.”

Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP):“Family physicians care for Colorado kids from birth through their teen years, and we know good medical decisions are made one patient at a time. Patients, families, and physicians make those decisions together, guided by evidence. Prop 135 replaces that judgment with a political mandate. It’s written so broadly that it could reach care that has nothing to do with gender, like treatment for cancer, endometriosis, or conditions present at birth, and it leaves doctors guessing what’s legal. Medical decisions belong in the exam room, not on the ballot. That’s why CAFP opposes Proposition 135.”

Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society and the Colorado Psychiatric Society: “The Colorado Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Society and the Colorado Psychiatric Society are concerned about the potential mental health impact of these ballot measures. We oppose Prop 134 because invasive gender checks will be harmful to the mental wellbeing of both trans and nontrans youth. We oppose Prop 135 because clinical decisions for minors should be carefully individualized based on a patient’s unique needs and medical expertise, particularly for vulnerable populations at higher risk of suicide. These deeply personal decisions are best made through trusted relationships between patients, their parents, and their healthcare providers.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 9, 2026

CONTACT: ninak@elevate-strategies.com

About Families, Not Politics
Our mission is to defend the freedoms, privacy, and rights of all Coloradans by opposing Propositions 134 and 135. We work to keep government out of private decisions, support families, and strengthen communities across Colorado. Learn more at https://familiesnotpolitics.com/.

Additional health organizations that oppose Propositions 134 and 135:

• CARE Colorado
• Center for Health Progress
• Cobalt
• Colorado Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Society
• Colorado Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Colorado Nurses Association
• Colorado Consumer Health Initiative
• Colorado Psychiatric Society
• Prism Counseling