Medical groups sue US FTC over gender-affirming care probe

AAP and Endocrine Society file lawsuits alleging unconstitutional retaliation by Trump administration

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Two major medical groups, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Endocrine Society, have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its investigations into their support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The groups allege the FTC's demands for information are an unconstitutional effort to punish them and silence their advocacy after earlier disagreements with the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The lawsuits highlight the ongoing political battles over transgender healthcare, particularly for minors, and the concerns of medical professionals that government agencies are overstepping their authority to target groups that support evidence-based, gender-affirming treatments.

The details

The FTC issued civil investigative demands in January 2026 to the AAP and Endocrine Society, seeking information about their marketing and advertising of 'pediatric gender dysphoria treatment'. The medical groups argue the FTC's actions are retaliation for their policy positions supporting appropriate medical interventions for transgender youth, which clashed with the Trump administration's efforts to limit access to gender-affirming care.

  • On January 15, 2026, the FTC issued a civil investigative demand to the AAP as part of its probe.
  • On January 20, 2026, the Endocrine Society received a similar civil investigative demand from the FTC.

The players

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

A major medical group representing pediatricians that has advocated for gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Endocrine Society

A medical group representing doctors who specialize in conditions related to hormones, including transgender healthcare.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

A federal agency that enforces antitrust and consumer protection laws, which has launched investigations into the medical groups' support for gender-affirming care.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who signed executive orders in 2025 declaring the federal government would only recognize two sexes and end funding for gender-affirming care for minors.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who clashed with the AAP over changes to vaccine policy.

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What’s next

The courts will need to rule on the lawsuits filed by the medical groups challenging the FTC's investigations as unconstitutional.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political battles over transgender healthcare, particularly for minors, and the concerns of medical professionals that government agencies are overstepping their authority to target groups that support evidence-based, gender-affirming treatments.