FTC lawsuit targets gender-affirming care, alleges fraud, deception

The Federal Trade Commission, along with attorneys general from four states, have filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), accusing the organization of misleading children and parents about the risks and benefits of gender-affirming care. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Texas, is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors.

According to the lawsuit, WPATH allegedly made false claims to sell medical services to kids, deceiving consumers into believing that its treatment guidelines were based on strong scientific evidence. However, WPATH has denied these allegations, stating that the FTC has no jurisdiction over their organization and that the claims have factual and legal flaws.

The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Texas, a conservative court where the Trump administration has focused its legal efforts on gender-affirming care, is part of a broader campaign to restrict access to these services. The administration has also sent subpoenas to clinics and drugmakers providing gender-affirming services and products.

Last year, WPATH received a subpoena from the Department of Justice and the FTC but successfully sued to prevent the probe on First Amendment grounds. The organization believes that the latest attack on WPATH is unfounded and aims to promote evidence-informed care for doctors and their patients.

The lawsuit cites two controversial evidence reviews, including the Cass review commissioned by England’s health agency and the Trump administration’s review on gender dysphoria. The executive order issued by the Trump administration aimed to end the provision of gender-affirming care to minors and questioned the scientific integrity of WPATH.

Supporters of gender-affirming care argue that research shows it is associated with improvements in mental health and that efforts to restrict access to these services are harmful. The ongoing legal battle between the FTC, state attorneys general, and organizations like WPATH highlights the contentious nature of this issue and the importance of ensuring access to safe and effective healthcare for transgender individuals.