The Federal Trade Commission and four states have filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPath), marking the latest move by the Trump administration to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The suit, announced on Wednesday, alleges that WPath made deceptive claims regarding such care and that its members profited from those claims.
Details of the Lawsuit
Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas joined the FTC in the legal action. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson stated on X that parents have the right to make informed decisions about their children's health, and the FTC will not allow deception by medical organizations prioritizing profit over safety.
WPath's Response
WPath responded by stating that its guidelines emphasize individualized care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The organization noted that a federal judge had previously blocked the FTC's investigation into WPath, ruling in favor of the group's First Amendment rights. WPath expressed confidence in opposing this latest attack, asserting that the FTC is acting out of retaliation as part of a broader campaign against gender-affirming care.
Background
The lawsuit follows an FTC investigation into WPath, which the group sued to block. The FTC has also investigated the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society over their guidelines on gender-affirming care, both of which have also filed lawsuits. WPath's website highlights its 50-year history of establishing widely accepted medical standards based on scientific evidence, expert consensus, and patient-centered values.
