Medical Groups Sue FTC Over Alleged Retaliation for Gender-Affirming Care Support

Two major medical organizations have filed lawsuits against the FTC, accusing it of retaliatory investigations regarding their support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. They argue the probe, initiated under the Trump administration, is unconstitutional and infringes upon their free speech rights.

Two leading medical organizations filed lawsuits on Tuesday, accusing the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of conducting retaliatory investigations into their support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Endocrine Society allege that the FTC's demands for information are unconstitutional and intended to silence them.

The lawsuits claim that the FTC's investigation is an attempt to intimidate and punish the groups for their support of transgender youth treatments, following earlier disagreements with the Trump administration. The AAP has requested a court order to block the FTC's document request, arguing it oversteps the FTC's authority.

The FTC, responsible for enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws, issued civil investigative demands to both organizations to probe their practices related to pediatric gender dysphoria treatment. The demands follow executive orders by Trump to limit federal support for gender-affirming care. AAP continues to challenge changes in federal health policies, including those affecting immunization rates.

(With inputs from agencies.)