FTC and States Sue WPATH Over Gender-Affirming Care Claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), alongside four states, has initiated legal action against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). President Donald Trump’s administration and others support this challenge as part of efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

The lawsuit claims that WPATH made misleading assertions regarding gender-affirming care for minors. It also suggests WPATH members benefited financially from these claims. The states joining the FTC in this lawsuit include Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson issued a statement expressing concern. He emphasized the need for parents to make informed health decisions for their children. He asserted that the FTC aims to prevent any deception by medical organizations prioritizing profits over children’s health and safety.

In response, WPATH clarified that its guidelines are personalized to each patient’s needs rather than adopting a uniform approach. The lawsuit stems from a prior FTC investigation into WPATH. Previously, the group had sued to stop the probe, citing violations of its First Amendment rights. In May, a federal judge temporarily halted the investigation, ruling in favor of WPATH.

The FTC has also begun probing the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society concerning their guidelines for gender-affirming care. These groups have also initiated legal responses to the FTC’s actions.

WPATH has maintained its role in establishing medical standards for gender-affirming care over the past 50 years. According to its website, these standards are based on scientific evidence, expert consensus, and patient-centered values. WPATH has stated a federal court has already opposed the FTC’s efforts by blocking the initial investigation.

The organization is prepared to defend itself and argues the FTC’s actions are retaliatory. WPATH is committed to promoting evidence-based, informed care and maintaining medical organizations’ independence.

This article has been updated to correctly identify the American Academy of Pediatrics rather than the American Association of Pediatrics.

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