Federal Trade Commission sues Chicago-area transgender health group

June 23, 2026 - 05:45

The Federal Trade Commission has taken legal action against a Chicago-area transgender health group, marking another move by the Trump administration to restrict gender-affirming care for minors. The lawsuit targets the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which is based in East Dundee, Illinois.

According to the complaint, the organization allegedly engaged in deceptive practices related to the promotion and provision of medical treatments for transgender youth. The FTC claims the group made misleading statements about the long-term effects and safety of certain hormone therapies and puberty blockers. The suit seeks to hold the association accountable for what regulators describe as unfair and deceptive acts affecting consumers.

This legal action is part of a broader federal effort to limit access to gender-affirming care for individuals under 18. The Trump administration has consistently argued that such treatments require more rigorous oversight and that medical providers must present balanced information about potential risks. Supporters of the lawsuit say it protects young people from irreversible medical decisions.

Critics, however, view the suit as an attack on transgender rights and medical autonomy. They argue that gender-affirming care is supported by major medical associations and that the FTC is overstepping its authority. The case is expected to draw significant attention as it moves through the courts, with both sides preparing for a lengthy legal battle over the boundaries of medical regulation and consumer protection.