Pediatricians group sues over US FTC launching gender-affirming care probe

The American Academy of Pediatrics filed a lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission in Washington D.C. on June 15, 2023, challenging the agency's investigation into providers of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The nation's leading pediatric organization argues that the FTC's probe constitutes an overreach that threatens the doctor-patient relationship and interferes with established medical practices. The legal action comes amid increasing political scrutiny of gender-affirming treatments, with several states implementing restrictions on such care despite endorsements from major medical associations. In their complaint, pediatricians claim the FTC lacks jurisdiction over standard medical practices and that the investigation is politically motivated rather than based on consumer protection concerns. The lawsuit seeks to halt the FTC's investigation and prevent potential enforcement actions that could limit healthcare providers' ability to offer evidence-based care to transgender minors.