The Federal Trade Commission and four Republican-led states filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, alleging the influential medical organization misled parents and doctors about the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of transgender medical treatments for minors.
According to Fox News, the complaint targets WPATH's widely used standards of care, which physicians rely on when treating patients with gender dysphoria. The FTC alleges the organization made deceptive claims about puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex change surgeries while failing to adequately disclose potential risks and side effects.
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson posted a statement on X addressing the case. "Parents have a right to make informed decisions about their children's health," he wrote. "The FTC will not allow parents and children to be deceived by medical organizations and providers who are prioritizing profit over children's health and safety."
The lawsuit was filed alongside Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas. It marks the latest action by the Trump administration to scrutinize medical interventions for transgender minors.
According to the complaint, WPATH removed age-based recommendations for certain transgender procedures from its Standards of Care. The FTC also alleges the organization promoted treatments that were not adequately supported by evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness.
This is not WPATH's first legal clash with the FTC. The organization previously sued to block an FTC investigation, arguing the agency violated its First Amendment rights. A federal judge in May temporarily blocked that probe.
WPATH rejected the allegations in a statement provided to the Associated Press. The organization said its guidelines are based on individualized treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. In a further statement to the AP, the group said "WPATH is in a strong position to prove that the FTC is acting out of pure retaliation as part of the federal government's relentless and targeted campaign to undermine gender-affirming care by attacking the First Amendment rights and the independence of professional medical organizations."
The lawsuit arrives during a broader national debate over puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and sex change surgeries for minors. Supporters of the treatments argue they can be medically necessary for some patients. Critics contend the long-term risks are not fully understood and that children may be unable to provide informed consent.
Fox News Digital reached out to WPATH for additional comment but did not immediately receive a response.
