FTC Asked to Investigate APA’s Support for Transgender Surgeries in Minors

WASHINGTON — A leading medical advocacy organization is urging the Federal Trade Commission to look into whether the American Psychological Association knowingly endorsed transgender surgeries for minors, despite potential risks.

Do No Harm, which aims to “defend health care from identity politics,” has addressed FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, suggesting that the APA’s 2024 policy statements endorsing these procedures are inconsistent with their stated guidelines. They cited previous communications to regulatory bodies from last September.

The APA, with approximately 173,000 members, emphasized in 2024 the importance of gender-affirming health care for transgender and non-binary children, while also dismissing misinformation aimed at these practices.

More than a year later, however, Do No Harm adopted a more complex position, indicating that having a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily equate to undergoing social or medical transitions related to gender dysphoria.

“The conflicting messages suggest that the APA may be deliberately pushing for so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for minors, possibly violating Section 5 of the FTC Act,” the group noted in their correspondence with Ferguson.

Dr. Kurt Miceli, Do No Harm’s chief medical officer, stated that the APA is trying to navigate both sides of the gender discussion without truly altering its stance.

Do No Harm argues that the APA does not quickly push minors into interventions like gender-affirming care, highlighting a contradiction in a 2025 FTC letter where the lack of long-term scientific evidence was recognized, which seems to counter the organization’s 2024 support of such care.

“While the 2024 policy backs gender-affirming care, the 2025 filing apparently contradicts this, undermining regulatory oversight,” Miceli claimed.

Despite Do No Harm’s assertions, the APA previously stated that their 2024 policy and 2025 letter are not contradictory, even referring to the 2024 policy in their later correspondence.

The organization has approached the FTC as the agency ramps up investigations into medical institutions, including the World Association of Transgender Health Professionals, the Endocrine Society, and the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding guidelines for transgender interventions aimed at minors.

Miceli has requested the FTC add the APA to their list for scrutiny regarding claims that may not be backed by evidence.

“By promoting conflicting positions, the APA misleads not only the FTC but also psychologists, patients, and their families,” he told the media.

He added, “APA’s original policy encourages unfettered access to gender interventions for children and equates non-affirmation with violence, viewing state protection as a violation of human rights.”

Data indicates that over 3.3% (about 724,000) of American youth aged 13 to 17 identify as transgender, according to reports from various international organizations, showing a notably higher percentage compared to older demographics.

Allie Marais, executive director of the American Parents Federation, which monitors health and educational policies, supported the call for an investigation into the APA.

“A medical body dedicated to guiding health care professionals seems to be prioritizing transgender ideology over children’s welfare,” Marais stated. “Research continues to suggest that allowing experimental and irreversible gender interventions can be harmful.”