FTC, four state AGs sue transgender health group over care standards - Report - MDSpire

FTC, four state AGs sue transgender health group over care standards

  • By

  • Theresa Gaffney

  • Bob Herman

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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Federal Trade Commission and Four State Attorneys General File Lawsuit Against Transgender Health Organization Regarding Care Standards

Overview

The Federal Trade Commission and four state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against WPATH, alleging misleading claims regarding gender-affirming care for minors.

Background

The regulation and provision of gender-affirming care for minors have become contentious issues in the U.S., with various state and federal actions aimed at limiting access. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) provides guidelines for clinicians, which are now under scrutiny.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data is provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The lawsuit claims WPATH misled parents and children about the benefits and risks of gender-affirming care.
  • WPATH has rejected the allegations, asserting that the FTC lacks jurisdiction over its guidelines.
  • The lawsuit cites controversial evidence reviews to support its claims against WPATH.
  • Previous federal investigations into gender-affirming care have faced legal challenges and been blocked by federal judges.
  • The Trump administration has centralized its legal efforts around gender-affirming care in conservative jurisdictions.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the ongoing legal challenges surrounding gender-affirming care.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against WPATH highlights the contentious debate over gender-affirming care for minors.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Associated Press Health, AP News, 2025 -- States sue HHS over youth gender-affirming care declaration
  2. United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, 2025 -- HHS Applauds FTC Action to Protect Children from Deceptive WPATH Guidelines
  3. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), KFF, 2025 -- Texas Emerges as Focus of New Trump Administration Actions to Limit Gender-Affirming Care
  4. Standards of Care 8 - WPATH, WPATH, 2025 -- Standards of Care 8
  5. Associated Press Health — Feds drop effort to get trans patients’ records from LA children’s hospital
  6. Puberty blockers for gender dysphoria in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. Standards of Care 8 - WPATH

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