Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing a New York company for selling harmful chest binders to girls ages 9-15 across the country, without informing families about the health risks involved in using the devices.
Lola Olivia Inc., an online retailer based out of New York City, sells chest binders as “inclusive undergarments for all,” according to their website. The company calls the product “safe,” despite possible serious side effects, which are not conveyed to customers.
Paxton’s office says the company failed to disclose that long‑term binding can cause more than two dozen medical problems, including permanent breast damage, back and chest pain, shortness of breath, rib injuries, compromised lung function, and difficulty breastfeeding later in life.
On their website, Lola Olivia states that their product “is a wonderful piece specifically designed for the tween or teen entering puberty who wants to compress their chest in a safe way.”
Reviews are posted on the company’s Facebook from parents who have purchased from the company. “It has really boosted his confidence and made him feel more comfortable in his body and I am so happy knowing that they are safe for my growing teen. Thank you so much for providing a safe and well constructed product,” reads one review.
While binders are used “for the purpose of treating gender dysphoria,” Paxton’s lawsuit argues they are only intended to be used as aftercare for specific medical procedures.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is illegal to market chest binders as a treatment for children experiencing “gender dysphoria,” as they are a regulated Class 1 medical device.
“‘Transitioning’ a minor is child abuse, and any corporation doing it will face swift and unrelenting justice,” said Paxton. “It’s unconscionable that there are people in this world who are trying to make a fortune by hurting kids, but that’s exactly what’s going on here.”
“I will be bringing the full force of the law against Lola Olivia for misleading Texans about the extreme harm that its products cause our kids,” he added.
Lola Olivia is accused of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which bans false, misleading, or deceptive advertising that can harm consumers.
Paxton is seeking a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief, arguing that the products being shipped to Texas will harm more children.
Lola Olivia did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s request for comment before publication.
