WPATH labels Standards of Care as “opinion” in FTC lawsuit

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has characterized its Standards of Care as “opinion” in a legal effort to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four state attorneys general.

The lawsuit, filed in Texas, alleges that WPATH engaged in deceptive practices by promoting gender-affirming care that may cause harm, particularly to minors who cannot provide informed consent. The FTC contends that WPATH’s guidelines misled consumers regarding the necessity and safety of these treatments to secure insurance coverage.

In its motion to dismiss, WPATH argued that its recommendations are protected speech under the First Amendment, describing them as non-actionable opinions on subjects involving “medical and scientific uncertainty.” This admission contrasts with the association’s previous role as a primary authority for medical consensus and insurance coverage standards. The legal challenge arrives amid broader efforts by the administration to restrict gender-related medical care for minors.