Do No Harm Urges FTC to Investigate the American Psychological Association for Misleading Statements on Child Sex Changes

April 21, 2026 - 02:36

The medical advocacy organization Do No Harm has formally requested that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) open an investigation into the American Psychological Association (APA). The group alleges the prominent professional body has engaged in deceptive practices regarding its public statements on medical interventions for gender-distressed youth.

In a detailed letter to the FTC, Do No Harm contends that the APA has issued contradictory guidance on the topic of what it terms "sex-rejecting interventions" for minors. The advocacy group argues that the APA's public-facing materials present certain treatments as uncontroversial and established, while its internal discussions and some affiliated research acknowledge a significant lack of long-term data and ongoing debate within the medical community.

This discrepancy, Do No Harm asserts, could mislead the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the state of scientific evidence. The call for an FTC investigation centers on whether such communications violate consumer protection laws by constituting deceptive or unfair practices. The APA, as the leading scientific and professional organization for psychologists in the United States, holds considerable influence in shaping clinical guidelines and public understanding of mental health issues.

The request places a spotlight on the intense ethical and scientific debates surrounding pediatric gender medicine. It underscores the growing pressure on major institutions to clarify their positions and ensure their public communications accurately reflect the complexities and evolving nature of the evidence base for treatments offered to adolescents.