The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four Republican-led states filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) on June 17, 2026. The lawsuit alleges that WPATH misled parents and doctors regarding the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of transgender medical treatments for minors. The complaint claims that WPATH made deceptive assertions about puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex change surgeries, while not adequately disclosing potential risks and side effects.
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated on X that parents should be able to make informed decisions about their children's health and that the FTC will not permit deception by medical organizations prioritizing profit over safety. The lawsuit, which includes Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, is part of ongoing scrutiny by the Trump administration regarding medical interventions for transgender minors.
WPATH has previously sought to block an FTC investigation, arguing that the agency violated its First Amendment rights, and a federal judge temporarily halted the probe in May. In response to the allegations, WPATH stated that its standards are designed for individualized patient care, rather than a uniform approach. The lawsuit arises amid a national debate over the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries for minors, with supporters claiming these treatments can be necessary and critics raising concerns about long-term risks and informed consent.