Allies and friends,
This week, we highlight several important updates concerning the protection of children and families.
The Federal Trade Commission held a public workshop, “The Dangers of ‘Gender‑Affirming Care’ for Minors,” bringing together ethicists, medical professionals, detransitioners, and policymakers to share their experiences with deceptive and unlawful practices in so-called “gender-affirming care.” Dr. Michelle Cretella of ACPeds contributed to the discussion.
The Department of Justice has issued 20 subpoenas to clinics and doctors performing harmful chemical and surgical mutilations on minors.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton upholds age-verification laws for adult sites—an important victory in addressing the link between early exposure to explicit content and gender confusion in youth.
Together, these events reflect the increasing involvement of federal agencies and institutions in taking action on critical issues concerning the protection of children.
Sincerely,
The Biological Integrity Team
The American College of Pediatricians
FTC Workshop Examines Dangers of “Gender-Affirming Care”
Last Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission hosted a public workshop, “The Dangers of ‘Gender‑Affirming Care’ for Minors,” to expose ways healthcare providers may be engaging in misleading or deceptive practices and failing to properly disclose risks, in potential violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act.
Dr. Michelle Cretella, Chair of the Adolescent Sexuality Committee at ACPeds, participated in the panel, contributing her medical expertise alongside ethicists, whistleblowers, detransitioners, and parents who shared both research-based and personal perspectives.
DOJ Issues 20 Subpoenas to Clinics Over Child Mutilation Allegations
The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has issued subpoenas to over 20 clinics and doctors who provide chemical and surgical interventions on minors, citing allegations of healthcare fraud and false statements.
This decision follows Trump’s Executive Order and marks a significant escalation in federal efforts to investigate providers and pharmaceutical companies involved in these harmful procedures.
Supreme Court Upholds Age Verification for Adult Sites
The Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton upholds the constitutionality of requiring adult sites to implement age verification, empowering efforts to hold the industry accountable for underage access. ACPeds celebrates this decision as a step toward restoring healthier families and protecting youth.
Emerging evidence suggests that early adolescent exposure to inappropriate adult content is a significant contributor to opposite-sex identification during this vulnerable developmental period.
