Federal Government Sues Major Transgender Health Group
The FTC and four states claim the group misled parents and children about gender-affirming care for minors.
The Federal Trade Commission, known as the FTC, sued a major medical group on Wednesday called the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, or WPATH. The FTC, along with the states of Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, claims the group made false and misleading statements about gender-affirming care for transgender minors. This is part of a larger effort by President Donald Trump's administration to limit this type of medical care for young people.
The lawsuit says WPATH misled parents and children about gender-affirming care, and that its members made money from those misleading claims. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson posted about the case on X, saying, 'Parents have a right to make informed decisions about their children's health.' He added that the FTC would not allow medical groups to deceive parents and children by putting profit ahead of safety.
WPATH pushed back against these claims in a statement. The group said its guidelines focus on care that is tailored to each patient, not a single approach for everyone. WPATH has been setting medical standards for gender-affirming care for more than 50 years, based on scientific research and expert opinions.
This lawsuit follows an earlier investigation by the FTC into WPATH. The group went to court to stop that investigation, saying it violated their First Amendment rights, which protect free speech. In May, a federal judge sided with WPATH and temporarily blocked the investigation from moving forward.
The FTC also opened investigations into two other medical groups — the American Association of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society — over their guidelines on gender-affirming care. Both of those groups also went to court to fight back against the investigations.
WPATH said it believes it is in a strong position to defend itself in court. The group accused the FTC of acting out of retaliation, meaning it is using the lawsuit to punish them for their views. WPATH said it will fight the lawsuit and continue its mission to support doctors and patients with evidence-based guidance.
Parents have a right to make informed decisions about their children's health.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. Which government agency filed the lawsuit against WPATH?
2. Which four states joined the FTC in the lawsuit against WPATH?
3. What did the federal judge decide in May about the FTC's earlier investigation into WPATH?