The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four states have initiated a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). This action is part of an effort led by President Donald Trump’s administration and others to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

The lawsuit accuses WPATH of making misleading claims regarding the care provided to minors. It further states that WPATH members financially benefitted from these assertions. The states participating in the lawsuit along with the FTC are Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas.

In a statement on a social media platform, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson expressed concern over the rights of parents. “Parents have a right to make informed decisions about their children’s health,” he remarked. “The FTC will not allow parents and children to be deceived by medical organizations and providers who prioritize profit over children’s health and safety.”

WPATH has countered the allegations, stating that its guidelines advocate for care individualized to each patient rather than a general approach. This lawsuit follows an FTC investigation into WPATH, which the organization sought to block, arguing that the probe violated its First Amendment rights. In May, a federal judge ruled in favor of WPATH, placing a temporary block on the investigation.

In addition to WPATH, the FTC has also initiated investigations into the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society on gender-affirming care. Both organizations have responded with lawsuits.

WPATH has set standard practices for gender-affirming care for over half a century, as noted on its website. These are based on scientific standards, expert consensus, and patient-centered values. The group’s statement condemns the FTC’s actions as retaliatory, suggesting they are part of the government’s targeted campaign against gender-affirming care. WPATH is preparing to legally oppose the FTC’s latest actions, confident in its mission to promote evidence-informed care.

The story has been updated to accurately name the organization as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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