Medical groups sue US FTC over gender-affirming care probe

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Endocrine Society file lawsuits challenging FTC document demands.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Two major medical groups, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society, have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over the agency's investigations into their support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The groups allege the FTC's document demands are unconstitutional and part of an effort by the Trump administration to retaliate against them for their positions on this issue.

Why it matters

The lawsuits highlight the ongoing political and legal battles over access to gender-affirming care, which has become a flashpoint issue in the U.S. The medical groups argue the FTC is overstepping its authority and trying to silence their advocacy for appropriate medical interventions to support transgender youth.

The details

The FTC issued civil investigative demands in January 2026 to the two groups, seeking information about their marketing and advertising of 'pediatric gender dysphoria treatment.' The medical groups say the FTC's demands are overbroad and unconstitutional, alleging the agency is trying to punish them for their support of gender-affirming care policies. The lawsuits come after the Trump administration took steps to limit federal funding and support for such care.

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

The players

American Academy of Pediatrics

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

Endocrine Society

A medical society representing doctors who specialize in conditions related to hormones, including gender dysphoria.

U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

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

Donald Trump

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

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who clashed with the American Academy of Pediatrics over changes to vaccine policy.

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What they’re saying

“Unable to prevail in the marketplace of ideas, the FTC has resorted to burdening AAP with an intrusive and expensive investigation that is unconstitutional and outside the scope of the FTC's statutory authority.”

— American Academy of Pediatrics (Lawsuit)

What’s next

A federal judge will decide whether to block the FTC's document demands, which the medical groups argue are unconstitutional.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political and legal battles over access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, with medical groups accusing the government of overstepping its authority to punish them for their advocacy on this issue.