FTC Hits Trans Health Group Over Claims About Youth Care

The Federal Trade Commission, together with four states, has filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). The case argues that WPATH made false statements about care for transgender minors and earned money from those claims. The suit also says the group failed to warn about side effects of hormone treatments and other transition services. WPATH’s guidelines are meant to be personalized, not one‑size‑fits‑all. The organization says it supports open dialogue and clear communication with patients. It has not been sued for providing medical care directly, only for setting standards that doctors may follow.The lawsuit seeks to stop WPATH from violating consumer protection laws. It also requests fines and financial awards for the states that joined the action. The FTC claims it is protecting parents and children from misleading medical advice. Experts note that this is a rare move by the FTC to challenge a medical association’s guidelines. They point out that such enforcement could be politically motivated, especially given recent efforts to restrict transgender health services for minors. The case follows a previous investigation by the FTC into WPATH. A federal judge temporarily blocked that probe after WPATH argued it violated First Amendment rights. Other medical groups, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also faced similar investigations.