Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act

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Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act

Overview
The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act would ban for-profit sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy by labeling it an unfair or deceptive business practice. If enacted, it could be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and allow civil lawsuits against violators.

What it would do
- Prohibit commercial conversion therapy as an unfair or deceptive act or practice.
- Protect consumers by treating for-profit conversion therapy as fraudulent.
- Enable FTC enforcement and civil actions against violators.

History and status
- First introduced in 2015 in the House by Rep. Ted Lieu as H.R. 2450 (96 cosponsors).
- Senate companion S. 2880 introduced by Sen. Patty Murray (21 cosponsors).
- Reintroduced in 2017 as H.R. 2119 and S. 928 (House cosponsors: 110; Senate cosponsors: 25).
- In 2019, H.R. 3570 (219 cosponsors) and S. 2008 (43 cosponsors) were introduced.
- In 2021, H.R. 4146 (89 cosponsors) and S. 2242 (33 cosponsors) were reintroduced.
- The Human Rights Campaign has endorsed the act.
- Legal scholars have questioned its scope, including issues related to medical autonomy for adults and the practicality of a nationwide ban.
- As of 2024, no Republican members in either chamber have co-sponsored the bill.

Support and criticisms
- Supported by LGBTQ rights groups and some medical communities concerned about the harms of conversion therapy.
- Critics argue about medical autonomy, enforceability, and whether a nationwide ban is feasible.

Current status
- The bill has not become law and remains a proposed federal measure.