The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a public comment period to examine potential deceptive practices in the provision of gender-affirming care for minors. This move follows a workshop held on July 9, 2025, titled “The Dangers of ‘Gender-Affirming Care’ for Minors,” where FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson expressed concerns that families might be misled into consenting to such treatments based on unsubstantiated scientific claims.
During the workshop, Ferguson emphasized the agency’s responsibility to protect consumers from deceptive acts, stating, “As chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, Congress has entrusted me with protecting citizens from deceptive acts and practices.” He announced that the FTC would issue a public request for information to gather insights on whether certain gender-affirming care practices are deceptive and warrant greater scrutiny. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/trumps-ftc-chair-looking-for-deception-in-gender-affirming-care?utm_source=openai))
The workshop featured a range of speakers, including medical professionals, ethicists, and individuals who have detransitioned. Discussions centered on the potential risks and benefits of gender-affirming treatments for minors, with some panelists arguing that the evidence supporting these interventions is insufficient. For instance, attorney and activist Erin Friday described gender medicine as “a complete sham, based on false science.” ([fiercehealthcare.com](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/ftc-probe-deceptive-practices-gender-affirming-care-minors?utm_source=openai))
However, major medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association support access to gender-affirming care for minors, citing it as evidence-based and effective. These organizations argue that such treatments can significantly improve mental health outcomes for transgender youth. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/trumps-ftc-chair-looking-for-deception-in-gender-affirming-care?utm_source=openai))
The FTC’s initiative has sparked internal debate within the agency. Some staff members have raised concerns that the workshop and subsequent actions may exceed the FTC’s consumer-protection authority and intrude on confidential doctor-patient relationships. In an anonymous letter to Congress, staff expressed apprehension that the initiative could politicize the agency’s work and create a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ employees. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-ftc-workshop-criticizing-medical-care-transgender-youth-draws-staff-2025-07-02/?utm_source=openai))
In response to these concerns, FTC spokesperson Joe Simonson defended the workshop’s intent, stating that it aims to scrutinize potentially harmful medical practices and ensure that consumers are not misled about the risks and benefits of gender-affirming care for minors. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-ftc-workshop-criticizing-medical-care-transgender-youth-draws-staff-2025-07-02/?utm_source=openai))
The public comment period is now open, allowing stakeholders, including medical professionals, advocacy groups, and the general public, to submit their perspectives on the issue. The FTC will consider these comments as it evaluates whether to pursue further action regarding deceptive practices in gender-affirming care for minors.