Washington, D.C. – The Washington Parents Network (WPN) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, alleging that the nonprofit has been profiting from providing gender transition drugs to children that are “toxic” and not FDA-approved.
Allegations of Harmful Drugs
The complaint, filed September 19, claims that drugs such as puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones have serious side effects, including obesity, tumors, blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, depression, suicide, and permanent sterility.
WPN Executive Director David Spring told The Center Square that:
“They’re giving kids medical advice and parents medical advice that is not supported by science, yet both kids and parents believe it.”
Spring added that thousands of children in Washington state are receiving these medications, despite evidence that counseling is safer and more effective.
Planned Parenthood Funding and Visits
According to Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho’s 2024 Annual Report, the organization conducted 3,355 gender-affirming care visits. It reported $29.3 million in revenue and $27.1 million in expenses.
The WPN complaint describes these medications as falsely promoted under the term “Gender-Affirming Care”, while claiming the drugs cannot change a child’s biological sex. The complaint calls this “Gender Mutilation Child Abuse” and criticizes the growing costs for taxpayers and insurance programs.
State Medicaid and Federal Support
Governor Bob Ferguson has pledged to cover any federal funding gap for Planned Parenthood via the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a one-year moratorium on Medicaid funding for the organization, set to take effect in 2027.
“Medicaid is one of the primary payers for Planned Parenthood, covering services including preventive care and cancer screenings. Medicaid funds cannot be used for abortion services,” Ferguson said. He confirmed that Planned Parenthood receives at least $22 million annually in Medicaid funding, including $11 million from the federal government.
Federal Review and Victim Compensation
Spring noted that the FTC comment period ends on September 26 at 5 p.m. ET, after which the agency will review all submissions, including over 5,000 comments received.
The WPN complaint also proposes a victim compensation fund of at least $1 billion for more than 10,000 alleged victims in Washington state, estimating $1 million per affected child.
Additional Legal Challenges
The group has filed a separate complaint with the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice over alleged Title IX violations. Following prior federal interventions, the matter may escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court.
What are your thoughts on this FTC complaint and the debate over gender transition care for minors? Share your views in the comments below!
