The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four states have filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). The legal action represents part of ongoing efforts, including those by President Donald Trump’s administration, to limit gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The lawsuit alleges that WPATH made misleading claims about such care, potentially allowing its members to profit from these claims. The states involved in the suit are Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas.
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson made a statement on X, reinforcing that parents should be able to make informed health decisions for their children. He emphasized that the FTC aims to prevent deception by medical organizations prioritizing profit over children’s health and safety.
In response, WPATH released a statement affirming that its guidelines promote care tailored to individual patient needs, avoiding a “one size fits all” approach. The FTC’s lawsuit follows a previous investigation into WPATH, which the organization attempted to block, claiming First Amendment rights violations. A federal judge temporarily halted the probe in May, ruling in favor of WPATH.
The FTC’s scrutiny extends to other organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society, over their gender-affirming care guidelines. These groups have also initiated legal challenges.
WPATH is known for setting medical standards in gender-affirming care for over 50 years. The organization states that these standards are established based on scientific data, expert consensus, and patient-centered values.
In a statement regarding the lawsuit, WPATH expressed confidence in proving that the FTC’s actions are retaliatory efforts undermining gender-affirming care. They reiterated their opposition aimed at defending their mission to provide evidence-informed care guidance.
Note: The organization involved is the American Academy of Pediatrics, not the American Association of Pediatrics as previously stated.
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