California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Mar. 10 that he has joined a group of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief against the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) request for documentation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding its clinical guidance on gender-affirming care.
The coalition argues that the FTC’s demand targets respected scientific organizations and could undermine public health efforts by states. The issue centers on a civil investigative demand issued by the FTC to the AAP on January 15, seeking extensive records related to the AAP’s 2018 clinical guidance, which was reaffirmed in 2023 and provides recommendations for pediatric providers caring for transgender youth.
“The Federal Trade Commission’s demand is the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to undermine crucial healthcare resources for transgender individuals and the providers they trust,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The FTC’s demands have no basis beyond the Administration’s personal disagreement with what the AAP recommends. We will not stand by as Trump attempts to advance his hateful agenda against scientific organizations and damage states’ abilities to support the health of our residents. We will continue to fight to uphold the law and protect transgender individuals from unfair attacks.”
Following receipt of the CID, the AAP filed a motion with the FTC on February 9 to quash it, and subsequently filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking an injunction against further action by the FTC. In their amicus brief, Bonta and his counterparts ask that this injunction be granted, arguing that allowing enforcement would set a precedent enabling future administrations to pressure scientific groups away from evidence-based recommendations they oppose.
The California Attorney General’s office serves as an integral part of California’s executive branch, led by Rob Bonta, according to its official website. The office acts as chief law enforcement authority across California, focusing on enforcing state laws, protecting public rights and safety, and advancing initiatives in civil rights, consumer protection, economic security, and environmental justice according to its official website. It also promotes transparency through tools like OpenJustice for publishing criminal justice data according to its official website.
Bonta is joined in this legal effort by attorneys general from Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
