Proposition 135
Prohibit Certain Surgeries on Minors
Prop 135 at a Glance
What it is: Colorado Proposition 135 (Initiative #110) is a statewide ballot measure concerning prohibiting surgery for minors for the purpose of altering the minor’s biological sex characteristics and prohibiting state and federal funding for such surgeries.
What it would do: It would bar health-care professionals from knowingly performing such surgery on anyone under 18, and bar state or federal funds, Medicaid reimbursements and insurance coverage from paying for it. If approved, it takes effect January 1, 2027. Supporters say it strengthens parental rights, adds child-protection safeguards and increases accountability.
Our position: Pikes Peak Citizens for Life urges a Yes on 135 vote.
Election day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Colorado general election.
Ballot Measure Language (click to expand)
CDOS Received: July 25, 2025 12:44 P.M. CH — 2025-2026 #110 – Final Text
2025-2026 #110, concerning prohibiting surgery for minors for the purpose of altering the minor’s biological sex characteristics and prohibiting state and federal funding for such surgeries — FINAL
Be it enacted by the people of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. Legislative Declaration. (1) The people of Colorado do hereby find and declare that:
(a) Children lack the maturity to make permanent, life-altering medical decisions;
(b) Medical treatments or interventions that attempt to surgically alter a minor child’s biological sex often result in serious, irreversible consequences, including sterility;
(c) European nations, including Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom, have halted surgery due to the serious and widespread harm resulting from that intervention; and
(d) Colorado law already protects children from other, permanent and potentially life-altering decisions, such as consuming alcohol and smoking. The same protections should apply to irreversible medical interventions related to biological sex.
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 12-30-125 as follows:
12-30-125. Prohibition on surgery for minors – prohibition on state funding for surgery – short title – definitions.
(1) Short title. THE SHORT TITLE OF THIS SECTION IS THE “PROTECT CHILDREN FROM IRREVERSIBLE SEX CHANGE SURGERY ACT”.
(2) Definitions. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES:
(a) “ALTERING BIOLOGICAL SEX CHARACTERISTICS” MEANS TREATMENT IN RESPONSE TO A MINOR’S PERCEPTION OF SEX OR GENDER. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE TREATMENT FOR PERSONS BORN WITH A MEDICALLY VERIFIABLE DISORDER OF SEX DEVELOPMENT OR TREATMENT FOR ACQUIRED PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL ABNORMALITIES. “ALTERING BIOLOGICAL SEX CHARACTERISTICS” DOES NOT INCLUDE MALE CIRCUMCISION.
(b) “HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL” MEANS ANY PERSON LICENSED IN THIS STATE OR ANY OTHER STATE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE, CHIROPRACTIC, NURSING, PHYSICAL THERAPY, PODIATRY, DENTISTRY, PHARMACY, OPTOMETRY, PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY, OR OTHER HEALING ARTS. THE TERM INCLUDES ANY PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ENTITY COMPRISED OF SUCH HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS AS PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF THIS STATE.
(c) “MINOR” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
(3) Prohibition on medical interventions on minors. A HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL OR OTHER PERSON SHALL NOT KNOWINGLY PERFORM, PRESCRIBE, ADMINISTER, OR PROVIDE ANY SURGERY TO A MINOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALTERING BIOLOGICAL SEX CHARACTERISTICS.
(4) NO STATE OR FEDERAL FUNDS, MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENTS, OR INSURANCE COVERAGE MAY BE USED TO PAY FOR ANY PROHIBITED MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION.
(5) Severability. IF ANY SECTION OF THIS SECTION IS FOUND UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR INVALID, THE REMAINING SECTIONS SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT.
SECTION 3. Effective date – applicability. This measure shall become effective on January 1, 2027, and apply to violations occurring on or after the effective date.
Pros
Strengthens parental rights and involvement in decisions affecting minors.
Adds safeguards focused on child protection and safety.
Increases accountability for institutions serving children.
Appeals to voters favoring greater parental oversight.
Cons
May limit privacy and autonomy for minors in sensitive circumstances.
Could restrict access to certain services or options without parental consent.
May create legal and administrative burdens for families and providers.
Could have unintended consequences for vulnerable youth.
Key Takeaway
Supporters: Protect children, empower parents, increase accountability. Opponents: Protect privacy, preserve access, avoid unintended consequences.
Detailed analysis from Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Prohibit_Surgeries_for_Treatment_in_Response_to_Minors%27_Perception_of_Sex_or_Gender_Measure_(2026)
What the Colorado Catholic Conference Says
“This is why the Church emphasizes the need to respect the natural order of the human person, especially of children whose physical and mental well-being will be seriously harmed by permanent and life-altering medical interventions and surgeries.”
Colorado Catholic Conference, Bishops’ Letter on Proposition 135
Read the full Colorado Bishops’ statement on Propositions 133, 134 & 135
Prop 135 FAQ
What is Colorado Proposition 135?
Proposition 135 is a 2026 Colorado statewide ballot initiative (Initiative #110), the “Protect Children from Irreversible Sex Change Surgery Act,” that would prohibit surgery on minors for the purpose of altering biological sex characteristics.
What does a Yes vote on Prop 135 mean?
A Yes vote supports enacting the measure, which prohibits such surgery on anyone under 18 and bars state or federal funds, Medicaid reimbursements and insurance coverage from paying for it. Supporters say it protects children, empowers parents and increases accountability.
What does a No vote on Prop 135 mean?
A No vote means the measure is not enacted and current Colorado law stays in place. Opponents say it limits privacy and access to services and could have unintended consequences.
Who supports Yes on 135?
Pikes Peak Citizens for Life supports Yes on 135. Read the pros and cons above to decide for yourself.