Overview
- The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society filed separate lawsuits in Washington, D.C., challenging FTC civil investigative demands issued in January.
- The FTC is probing whether the groups made false or unsubstantiated claims or engaged in unfair practices related to marketing pediatric gender dysphoria treatments.
- AAP and the Endocrine Society argue the demands are overbroad, burden protected speech, and fall outside the FTC’s statutory reach over nonprofit professional societies.
- WPATH also received a civil investigative demand and on Feb. 9 moved to quash it, citing lack of FTC authority over nonprofits and constitutional concerns.
- The investigation follows a 2025 FTC workshop and request for information and comes as some medical bodies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, revisit guidance on care for minors.