FTC and States Sue WPATH Over Allegations of Misleading Health Claims

The FTC, along with four states, has sued WPATH, alleging the organization misled parents about the safety and effectiveness of transgender medical treatments for minors. The lawsuit claims WPATH failed to disclose risks associated with these treatments and removed age-based recommendations from its care standards. WPATH has denied the allegations, stating its guidelines support individualized care.

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{'name': 'Andrew Ferguson', 'title': 'FTC Chairman'}

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four states—Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas—filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) on June 17, 2026. The lawsuit alleges that WPATH misled parents and medical professionals regarding the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of medical treatments for transgender minors, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex reassignment surgeries. The FTC claims that WPATH did not adequately disclose potential risks and side effects associated with these treatments. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated that parents deserve to make informed decisions about their children's health and that the agency will not permit deception by medical organizations prioritizing profit. The complaint also mentions that WPATH removed age-based recommendations from its Standards of Care and promoted treatments lacking sufficient evidence for their safety and effectiveness. WPATH has rejected these allegations, asserting that its guidelines support individualized patient care. The lawsuit is part of a broader national debate regarding medical interventions for transgender minors, with supporters claiming these treatments can be necessary and critics raising concerns about long-term risks and informed consent.

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