Politics

‘Emerge’ touts Stansbury as example of building ‘firewall against MAGA’

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Emerge, a fringe “progressive” organization that aims to train and promote Democrat women for elected office, is rallying support following the 2024 election cycle, spotlighting leaders such as far-left Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District. In a recent fundraising appeal, the group highlighted its commitment to building what it describes as a “firewall against MAGA Republicans in 2025 and beyond,” with Stansbury and other Emerge alumni taking center stage in this effort.

Stansbury, who has been part of the Emerge network since her entry into politics, exemplifies the organization’s goals of elevating far-left women to positions of influence at all levels of government. As a member of the Emerge Congressional Caucus, Stansbury and 12 other Emerge-trained lawmakers are positioned to play a key role in shaping national debates on a range of issues, from abortion up to birth to socialist government programs like “Medicare for All” and the Green New Deal.

“Emerge alums are on the frontlines of Congress and state and local governments, ready to act as a firewall to protect our most critical freedoms,” the fundraising email stated, emphasizing the group’s focus on attacking the conservative agenda. 

The dark money organization (that is, a group that does not disclose its donor or sources of funding to the IRS or any public entity), which traces its origins to Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political campaigns, has steadily expanded its influence, with more than 550 alumni running for office in the recent election cycle. To date, approximately 70% of those candidates have won their races, strengthening Emerge’s footprint across legislative bodies and community boards, according to the email.

Screenshot of Emerge fundraising email.

The fundraising ask also underscored Emerge’s mission to recruit and train the next generation of far-left Democrat women, positioning itself as a critical player in the ongoing struggle over key issues. “Progress is not always easy, but at Emerge, we know what it takes: training to win,” the communication reads, emphasizing the group’s dedication to equipping these radicals with the cash needed to win elections and drive far-left policies on all levels.

As Emerge continues to expand its network, especially in New Mexico, which has a slew of graduates, the group’s focus on cultivating leaders in the vein of Stansbury is expected to shape policy and counter Republican influence, of which Republicans must be alert and grow their own recruitment arm — and fast. With their sights set on the battles of 2025 and beyond, Emerge alums aim to solidify their presence as a formidable force in American politics and keep New Mexico Democrat-controlled for years to come.

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NM courts chock-full of judges trained by extremist pro-abortion group

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Leftist pundit skewers Lujan Grisham over ‘embarrassing’ political flops

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent KRWG op-ed, Walt Rubel delivered a scathing critique of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s declining political influence, particularly over public safety legislation. He observed that the governor’s “attempts to arm-twist lawmakers” during last year’s special session backfired, leading to what he described as “an embarrassing rebuke” when lawmakers adjourned without action. 

According to Rubel, Lujan Grisham’s hardline tactics have weakened her standing as she enters a “lame duck” phase of her tenure.

Rubel highlighted that, after failing to get what she wanted during a regular session, Lujan Grisham called for a special session despite warnings from her own party’s leaders. This approach, he argued, showcased a lack of consensus and strategic missteps. 

“Lawmakers voted to wrap it up and go home as soon as they arrived,” Rubel wrote, underscoring the depth of her political miscalculation.

The op-ed also delved into broader public safety concerns, noting that while New Mexicans are desperate for crime solutions, Lujan Grisham’s confrontational stance risks alienating lawmakers. 

Rubel warned that her “maximum pressure campaign will only make legislators more reluctant to pass public safety legislation that is needed.” He called for a shift in focus to pressing issues like bail reform and protections against repeat offenders who are incompetent to stand trial.

Rubel concluded by criticizing the state’s lack of political competition, pointing out that many legislative seats were uncontested, with incumbents often coasting to re-election without opposition. 

As New Mexico approaches a critical 60-day session, he emphasized that the state’s ability to address key issues “is a lot easier to do with strong leadership from the governor’s office”—something he suggests Lujan Grisham now lacks.

Leftist pundit skewers Lujan Grisham over ‘embarrassing’ political flops Read More »

NM leftists fume over modest SNAP work requirement

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

For over a decade, New Mexico has operated under a federal waiver that has enabled able-bodied adults without children to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, even if they are not employed. 

However, this provision is changing due to declining unemployment rates in certain parts of the state. As a result, individuals aged 18 to 54 who are single, have no dependents, and reside in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties, as well as within the San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna pueblos, will now need to demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

This change reflects a broader effort to encourage workforce participation among individuals in their prime working years. According to data from the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC Report), New Mexico has persistently struggled with low workforce participation rates. By incentivizing able-bodied adults to engage in the workforce, even through a minimal requirement of 80 hours per month, the state aims to address broader socioeconomic issues, including poverty and underemployment.

Nevertheless, some leftist groups have opposed these new work requirements, arguing that they impose unnecessary hardships on vulnerable populations and fail to account for regional disparities in job availability. 

“It can have a hugely negative impact we know for a fact that it has no relationship helping families find new jobs. Taking away food assistance, if anything, make people’s lives more precarious and more difficult to find good work,” said Sovereign Hager, legal director of the leftist New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

The Rio Grande Foundation emphasizes that a modest work requirement for SNAP recipients is not an unreasonable expectation. Encouraging greater workforce engagement, especially for those without caregiving responsibilities, aligns with efforts to improve New Mexico’s economic landscape. 

As the Foundation and the LFC noted, boosting workforce participation rates among eligible individuals could significantly impact the state’s economic and social challenges. “It is simply outrageous that able-bodied working-age adults without children are not expected to work a mere 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits (regardless of where they live),” the Foundation states. Encouraging these individuals to seek employment not only reduces dependence on public assistance but also contributes to the overall productivity and economic health of New Mexico.

NM leftists fume over modest SNAP work requirement Read More »

After ‘democracy’ theatrics, Sen. Luján now raising cash for election denier

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a move that is raising eyebrows, New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s campaign has issued a fundraising email supporting Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey, who continues to challenge his recent Senate election defeat.

The November 15, 2024, email, framed as a rallying call to ensure “every Pennsylvanian’s voice is heard,” urges supporters to split contributions between Casey and Luján to fund recount efforts in a tight Pennsylvania Senate race.

It reads, “Help us fund the fight in Pennsylvania’s critical Senate race. All eyes are on us, and we can’t back down from this fight. Split $5 between Bob Casey and Ben Ray Luján now to fuel our efforts.” Another November 12, 2024, email was sent to Luján’s list from Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who had previously made a similar request.

“I’m not $#!ting you when I say this is the most important race in the country now. We cannot afford to lose another Senate seat. Bob Casey MUST be re-elected to stand up to Republicans and Donald Trump in the Senate,” yet another November 13, 2024, email read, signed by far-left Democrat strategist Bob Carville. 

The race was called for Republican McCormick on November 7, 2024, by the left-leaning Associated Press.

This has drawn criticism from some who allege Democrats are attempting to undermine the election’s legitimacy by pushing to count ballots deemed invalid under state law.

With the Associated Press already calling the race for Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick, Casey trails by 26,000 votes—a deficit that triggered an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law. However, ongoing disputes center on the validity of thousands of mail-in ballots lacking required signatures or dates, which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court previously ruled must be excluded. Democratic officials in counties like Philadelphia and Montgomery have pushed back, arguing that such exclusions disenfranchise voters over clerical errors.

Sen. Bob Casey (middle) with former PA Gov. Tom Wolf (right).

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia exemplifies this defiance, stating, “I think we all know that precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country,” as she supported counting ballots that state law disqualifies. Meanwhile, Republican officials, including McCormick’s team, accuse Democrats of flouting legal precedent to “steal” the seat, prompting a series of lawsuits to ensure disqualified ballots are not counted.

For Luján, whose own reelection campaign is on the horizon, his backing of Casey has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that by aligning himself with efforts they deem to undermine valid election outcomes, Luján risks being labeled as supporting an “election denier.” Luján previously campaigned with the election loser in September. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley called the situation “left-wing election interference that undermines voter confidence,” while Democrats defend their stance as protecting fundamental voting rights.

Previously, Luján attempted to corner Trump on claims that there were vast anomalies in the 2024 election, blasting President-elect Trump for “attack[ing] the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election,” claiming he “undermine[d] the democratic process.”

“Our democracy faces clear and present dangers posed by Republican-led state legislatures across the country,” Luján said in a 2022 floor speech, claiming that voter ID laws curtail “democracy.”

Interestingly, in the same speech, he also noted, “And only one archaic parliamentary measure prohibits all this progress: the filibuster. The filibuster does not increase deliberation in this chamber; it does not incentivize compromise. It stands in the way of progress. So, while some claim that amending the filibuster would further this country’s division: I disagree.”

This comes as Democrats are poised to attempt to use the filibuster to try and stop President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees, and it interestingly could be un-“archaic” in his eyes now that he is no longer in the majority party.

The financial appeal sent to Luján’s supporters portrays the recount as a critical battle, but it may also signal strategic risks for the senator. With his 2026 reelection approaching, his support for a contested recount could shape perceptions of his political priorities at a sensitive time. According to the most recent political indexes available, New Mexico’s U.S. Senate race leans three points toward Democrats, which is prime for the taking by Republicans.

After ‘democracy’ theatrics, Sen. Luján now raising cash for election denier Read More »

‘Resist’: Bitter lame-duck Gov. Lujan Grisham makes Trump a promise

36 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Following President-elect Donald Trump’s landslide electoral vote and popular vote victory, his plans to implement strong border policies, including stricter immigration enforcement and mass deportations, have elicited panicked reactions among New Mexico Democrats, namely lame-duck Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in 2026.

Trump’s policies, which prioritize cracking down on illegal immigration and enhancing border security, are viewed by many supporters as a way to restore law and order. 

Gov. Lujan Grisham pledged to resist Trump’s efforts to carry out mass deportations, labeling them as divisive and contrary to New Mexico’s values. 

She said to the Santa Fe New Mexican, “We’re going to resist like all of the Democratic states, and I think some Republican states might,” adding, “Their [National] Guards will not be deployed to do that. Police cannot be deployed to do that … because this is a federal issue, requires federal resources, so we’re not allowed to do that, and we’re not going to start now.”

She claimed, “A little bit like the border wall, I’m skeptical that they can actually execute that, but I take this administration at its word that their intentions are to create these sort of harsh, divisive efforts, that they will try.”

Lujan Grisham was a surrogate for failed Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, hoping to pick up a cabinet post, all of which has now disintegrated to dust since Trump’s win.

Despite her criticism, proponents of Trump’s policies argue that previous lax enforcement and border security gaps under the current administration have left New Mexicans vulnerable. They highlight the need to enforce immigration laws to protect communities and curb illegal crossings.

Trump’s proposed actions focus on targeting illegal aliens who commit crimes, with a priority on enhancing public safety. Former ICE Director Tom Homan, appointed as the administration’s border czar, a position currently held by failed Democrat nominee for president Kamala Harris, stressed that the approach would not be indiscriminate but targeted at individuals posing a threat. “It’s going to be a targeted enforcement operation,” he said, emphasizing safety over sweeping raids.

Trump’s border policies also include enhancing cooperation with state governments on drug interdiction and other security measures, as highlighted by Lujan Grisham herself. While she and other Democrat leaders criticize these efforts as extreme, supporters maintain that they reflect a commitment to protecting New Mexicans from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and unchecked illegal immigration. They view resistance from Democratic leaders as a politically motivated obstruction that disregards the need for law and order.

As New Mexicans prepare for the changes ahead, Trump’s strong border policies proponents believe they are essential steps toward a safer state and country, arguing that a secure border benefits all citizens by promoting stability and reducing crime, especially in a border state.As noted in our previous reporting, Democrats’ resistance to Trump’s administration could come at the cost of billions in federal aid to the state, which is currently the second-most dependent state following only Alaska.

‘Resist’: Bitter lame-duck Gov. Lujan Grisham makes Trump a promise Read More »

NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, House Republicans and House Democrats elected new leadership in their respective caucuses ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session, which begins on January 21st.

House Democrats again tapped Speaker Javier Martínez of Albuquerque as their nominee for the speakership, current Whip Reena Szczepanski of Santa Fe as their new majority floor leader, after Leader Gail Chasey of Albuquerque announced her retirement and did not seek reelection to the House.

Rep. Dayan “Day” Hochman Vigil of Albuquerque was chosen as the Democrats’ new whip, keeping Chairman Raymundo Lara of La Mesa as the caucus chair. 

On the Republican side, the House GOP tapped Rep. Gail Armstrong of Magdalena, the current caucus chair, to be the minority leader, following Rep. Rod Montoya of Farmington, who chose not to run for reelection to the position. Armstrong is the first female GOP New Mexico House leader in history.

Republicans chose to keep current Whip Alan Martinez of Bernalillo as the minority caucus whip, while former Rep. Rebecca Dow, who recently reclaimed her seat in the House after running for governor, has been restored as caucus chair after previously holding the position.

As the January 60-day legislative session rolls upon us, it is unclear what changes the new leadership will make, regarding decorum, strategy, or way of conducting business in the House.

With both sides elevating relatively new legislators to many of the leadership positions, it remains to be seen if the chamber will continue in its same trajectory, which — at least for the Democrat majority — has veered further and further to the extreme left. 

NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session Read More »

State House Speaker Martínez claims NM is ‘Trump-proof’ — Is it?

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

With President-elect Donald Trump set to re-enter the Oval Office in January, New Mexico’s Democrat political establishment is gearing up for what many expect to be a contentious clash over policies. According to WalletHub, the state is the second-most federally reliant state, behind only Alaska. 

Unlike California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has called a special legislative session to strengthen state protections against federal policy rollbacks in fear of the incoming Trump administration, New Mexico’s Democrat House Speaker Javier Martínez has dismissed the need for any “showboating,” which could benefit conservatives worried over the state taking yet another far-left, aggressive turn. In a recent interview with KUNM, Martínez proclaimed the state already “Trump-proof.”

Martínez’s Posturing vs. Policy Reality

Martínez, known for his far-left stance, has quickly positioned himself as a vocal critic of Trump’s anticipated agenda. Yet, critics argue that the House Speaker’s rhetoric masks a deeper lack of preparedness and policy vulnerability. While Martínez asserts that New Mexico’s existing statutes protect key issues such as abortion access and climate initiatives, skeptics question whether those measures will hold against a resurgent federal administration committed to rolling back progressive policies.

Bold Claims vs. Practical Challenges

During his KUNM interview, Martínez took swipes at Newsom’s special legislative session, suggesting it was more about presidential ambitions than policy substance. “Gavin Newsom is running for president…so he can showboat all he wants,” Martínez remarked, attempting to contrast his own “pragmatic” approach to governance. 

Abortion and the Border

Despite his assurances, Martínez’s stance on abortion up-to-birth policies remains a flashpoint. New Mexico’s abortion policies that allow on-demand abortion for any reason at any time in pregnancy, while permitted in statute, are not enshrined in the state constitution. Martínez brushed off concerns about bolstering constitutional protections, stating, “I think we’re good.” 

Further, while Martínez maintains that New Mexico does not coordinate with federal immigration authorities, the absence of a “sanctuary state” law allows federal officials to help alleviate the border crisis by carrying out mass deportations against criminal aliens residing on New Mexico soil. 

Trump-Proof?

In discussing potential threats to state-funded programs under the Democrats’ partisan “Inflation Reduction Act,” Martínez claims that New Mexico’s Legislature would seek to protect jobs and investments tied to federal funds. While Martínez makes grand declarations, it remains to be seen whether he can back them up with real policy action. If the state refuses to comply with the federal administration, the state could lose out on billions of dollars. 

USAFacts notes that in Fiscal Year 2021, New Mexico received $14.3 billion in federal aid. On a per-resident basis, New Mexico received approximately $6,748 in federal funding, meaning the state is extremely reliant on the federal government — and attacking the incoming administration will not serve the state’s Democrat leaders well. With a fully Republican Congress, it appears to be the worst-case scenario for New Mexico leaders, such as Martínez, to attack Trump, his administration, and the GOP leaders in Congress.

WalletHub notes, “New Mexico is the second-most federally dependent state, in large part because it receives a huge amount of federal funding compared to the taxes that residents pay. For every $1 paid in taxes, New Mexico gets $3.26 in federal funding. Around half of the other states get less than $1 in federal funding for every tax dollar.”

The outlet adds, “Federal funding makes up a large share of New Mexico’s revenue as well, at around 47%, and more than 3.5% of the Land of Enchantment’s workforce is employed by the federal government. Both of these rates are among the highest in the country, proving that New Mexico’s economy owes a lot to the federal government.”

New Mexico’s Path Forward

As the incoming Trump administration readies its agenda, New Mexico stands at a critical juncture. Martínez’s proclamation of a “Trump-proof” state may serve as a rallying cry for far-left legislators and Democrat Party loyalists, but it appears to be an empty boast, throwing red meat at his politically leftist base. 

State House Speaker Martínez claims NM is ‘Trump-proof’ — Is it? Read More »

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ‘takes MLG’s dream job’

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), a position that New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had previously aspired to under the Biden administration. 

Rio Grande Foundation chief Paul Gessing wrote on X, “RFK takes MLG’s dream job.”

This development underscores the shifting dynamics in U.S. health policy leadership and highlights the political recalibrations following the recent presidential election to a shift away from the status quo of Washington elites.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and prominent vaccine skeptic, has been a controversial figure in public health discussions. His nomination to lead HHS has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters commend his advocacy for transparency and reform in health agencies, while critics express concern over his stance on vaccines and public health measures. 

Kennedy’s appointment aligns with President-elect Trump’s inclination to include unconventional figures in his administration, reflecting a broader strategy to challenge established norms in health policy.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had been considered a leading candidate for the HHS secretary role during Joe Biden’s transition in 2020, for which she extensively lobbied. Her sordid background includes serving as New Mexico’s health secretary and tenure in Congress, along with her dealings in New Mexico’s shady high-risk insurance pool, of which she profited handsomely. 

Despite her active role as a surrogate for Biden on the campaign trail, Lujan Grisham was not selected for the position in the Biden administration.

The recent election, in which President-elect Trump secured 312 electoral votes, has crushed all likelihood of Lujan Grisham attaining the HHS secretary position. 

Her close association with the Harris campaign and her alignment with far-left Democrat health policies, such as abortion up-to-birth, contrast sharply with the incoming administration’s direction, which is independent of the establishment. This political shift underscores the challenges Democratic leaders face in securing key federal positions under Trump’s conservative administration.

The nomination of Kennedy over Lujan Grisham highlights the divergent health policy philosophies between the two administrations. While Lujan Grisham has advocated for on-demand abortions and “Medicare for All,” Kennedy’s views on vaccines and health agency reforms suggest a potential departure from traditional public health strategies. 

As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, Kennedy’s nomination doesn’t appear to have received as much pushback as other nominees, such as Trump’s choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. His previous statements and positions on public health issues will likely be central to the discussions, influencing the confirmation process. 

However, the one thing that is clear is that Lujan Grisham won’t get anywhere near the federal administration of a Democrat president and certainly nowhere near the Department of Health and Human Services.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ‘takes MLG’s dream job’ Read More »

NM SOS accuses Piñon Post editor of threats for asking about voter ID

45 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a strange turn of events, far-left Democrat New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver accused state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), the editor and founder of the Piñon Post, of making threats and harassing her via X, formerly Twitter, cooking up a conspiracy after he asked her about implementing voter ID in the state. She later declared she was going dark on the platform following backlash after she laughed at constituents about voter ID, changing her account “@NMSOSMaggie” to private, although the use of her title makes the page public — a violation of law, according to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Toulouse Oliver’s departure from the platform came shortly after the general election, during which she sought to share insights into election results and processes. However, she claimed that some of the backlash, including alleged threats and harassment, originated from Block, who did not make such threats.

During a legislative committee meeting, Toulouse Oliver accused unnamed members of the committee of contributing to the toxic environment online. Later, her office singled out Rep. Block, labeling him and Piñon Post a “frequent purveyor of false and misleading information” about elections. Block has been vocal in his push for voter ID laws in New Mexico and has criticized Toulouse Oliver’s stance against such measures.

“I wouldn’t say that he was like, the ring leader, but he was certainly getting in on the pile-on and, I think, helping to foment the anger and some of the nasty comments,” she said to one outlet.

In response, Block told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “If she thinks that asking questions about why she doesn’t support voter ID is a threat, then she’s got the thinnest skin I’ve ever seen in my life,” emphasizing that political debate should not be conflated with harassment. He further argued that Toulouse Oliver’s characterization of criticism as harassment reflects an attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative around New Mexico’s elections.

Toulouse Oliver, who has historically opposed voter ID measures, reiterated her belief that such laws are unnecessary. “That is a solution in search of a problem,” she said during the committee meeting, dismissing Block’s proposals as lacking evidence of widespread voter fraud.

The tension escalated after Toulouse Oliver shared that she would file a report with law enforcement regarding the threats she faced, which she said were “egged on” by Block’s rhetoric. Block countered by highlighting the lack of evidence directly tying him to any threatening behavior and called her allegations politically motivated. “The secretary of state is probably the biggest purveyor of propaganda, fake news, lies, and clearly orchestrated headlines to get attention,” he charged, framing her accusations as a tactic to deflect from genuine questions about election security.

Block’s criticism of Toulouse Oliver’s opposition to voter ID laws has resonated with many New Mexicans, particularly given polling that shows broad support for such measures, with Gallup finding 84% of Americans support the commonsense measure that upholds election security. 

While Toulouse Oliver maintains that her resistance stems from concerns about voter suppression, Block and his supporters see it as dismissing legitimate concerns about election integrity.

This clash highlights a broader debate on voter security in New Mexico. For Block, questioning election policies and advocating for voter ID is about protecting democracy. 

For Toulouse Oliver, such benign questions represent a dangerous incitement that threatens election officials, and it appears she is not open to the will of the people of New Mexico.

NM Sec. of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver laughs at constituents who want voter ID

NM SOS accuses Piñon Post editor of threats for asking about voter ID Read More »

Dem NM legislator tries to defend ‘gender-affirming care’ on kids

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent Albuquerque Journal op-ed, Democrat New Mexico State Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil of Albuquerque defended the radical House Bill 7 (HB 7), asserting that it safeguards access to “reproductive and gender-affirming health care.”

The Democrat writes, “I have been blessed to know and raise two kids who happen to be transgender. They are adults now, but like all parents, I love and support my kids and want to protect them from harm, so I am deeply disturbed to see Republicans try to play political games with their health care and the health care of all children.”

She contends that the bill does not permit minors to undergo transgender surgeries without parental involvement and emphasizes the purported benefits of gender-affirming care, including the use of puberty blockers, which she describes as “safe” and “reversible.”

However, a critical examination of these claims reveals significant concerns:

Parental Consent and HB 7

Contrary to Rep. Hochman-Vigil’s assertion that HB 7 does not allow minors to receive transgender surgeries without parental involvement, the bill’s language raises questions about parental rights. The legislation prohibits public bodies from denying, restricting, or interfering with an individual’s access to reproductive or gender-affirming health care. 

The bill does not address parental consent for minors seeking such treatments. This omission shows that these public bodies must allow minors to access certain medical interventions without parental approval. Critics of the radical legislation argue that this undermines parental authority and involvement in crucial health decisions affecting their children.

Reversibility and Safety of Puberty Blockers

Hochman-Vigil describes puberty blockers as “safe” and “reversible.” While a few vague and biased studies suggest that the effects of puberty blockers can be reversed upon discontinuation, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. A 2020 review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of puberty blockers is of very low certainty. 

Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential impacts on bone density and future fertility, indicating that the characterization of these treatments as entirely safe and reversible may be overly simplistic.

Mental Health Outcomes and Regret Rates

The op-ed cites studies indicating that gender-affirming care reduces depression and suicide risk among transgender individuals. While some research supports these findings, other studies highlight complexities. For instance, a 2021 systematic review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery acknowledged limitations, including the lack of long-term follow-up data on regret for said surgeries and treatments. Furthermore, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy questioned the robustness of evidence supporting the Dutch protocol, a widely adopted approach to treating gender dysphoria in adolescents, suggesting that more rigorous research is needed to fully understand the outcomes of such interventions.

Medical Authority and Ethical Concerns

The Cass Review in the UK, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, highlighted the need for more comprehensive data and called for caution in the medicalization of gender dysphoria in minors. The review emphasized the importance of thorough psychological assessment and the consideration of less invasive interventions before proceeding with medical treatments.

Conclusion

While Rep. Hochman-Vigil’s op-ed aims to defend HB 7 and the provision of gender-affirming care, it is essential to critically assess the claims presented. The complexities surrounding parental consent, the safety and reversibility of puberty blockers, mental health outcomes, and the ethical responsibilities of medical providers necessitate extreme skepticism, especially since many of her claims are flat-out false. 

Dem NM legislator tries to defend ‘gender-affirming care’ on kids Read More »

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