Medical Groups Sue FTC Over Gender-Affirming Care Investigations Amid Trump Policy Dispute

Two leading U.S. medical organizations have filed lawsuits against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), alleging the agency launched unconstitutional investigations into their support of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Endocrine Society submitted separate complaints in federal court in Washington, D.C., challenging civil investigative demands issued by the FTC in January.

The lawsuits claim the FTC’s actions are politically motivated and tied to policies introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration. Both groups argue the agency is attempting to retaliate against them for endorsing gender-affirming medical treatment for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. They contend the document requests are overly broad, burdensome, and violate constitutional protections, including free speech rights.

According to court filings, the FTC issued a civil investigative demand to the AAP on January 15 as part of an inquiry into whether the organization made false or misleading claims related to pediatric gender dysphoria treatment. The Endocrine Society, which represents hormone specialists, received a similar request on January 20. A civil investigative demand functions similarly to a subpoena and is often used in consumer protection or antitrust investigations.

Gender dysphoria is a recognized medical condition involving distress due to a mismatch between a person’s gender identity and sex assigned at birth. The AAP has supported evidence-based gender-affirming care since releasing a 2018 policy statement backing appropriate medical interventions for transgender youth.

The FTC investigation comes nearly a year after President Trump signed executive orders recognizing only two sexes and directing federal agencies to end support or funding for gender-affirming care for minors. The AAP also noted that just days before receiving the FTC demand, a federal judge blocked the Department of Health and Human Services from terminating nearly $12 million in grants previously awarded to the organization.

In addition to challenging the FTC investigation, the AAP is pursuing separate legal action over changes to federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., arguing those revisions could reduce immunization rates and negatively impact public health.