California Court Orders Rady Children’s to Keep Gender-Affirming Care
A court ruled Rady Children’s Hospital must continue gender-affirming care for minors during litigation.
Why it matters: This ruling provides legal clarity for healthcare providers and legal teams facing disputes over gender-affirming care. It underscores judicial support for patient rights in contentious care decisions amid federal and state conflicts.
- On January 20, 2026, Rady Children’s Hospital announced it would end gender-affirming care for patients under 19 starting February 6, 2026.
- California Attorney General sued Rady Children’s on January 30, 2026, alleging violation of a merger agreement requiring continued gender-affirming care until 2034.
- A San Diego judge ruled on February 11, 2026, that Rady must maintain gender-affirming care for minors excluding major surgeries while cases proceed.
- A class action lawsuit filed on February 25, 2026, alleges the hospital’s cessation violated California’s anti-discrimination laws and seeks damages and injunctive relief.
On January 20, 2026, Rady Children’s Hospital announced it would stop providing gender-affirming medical care to patients under 19, effective February 6. The hospital cited concerns about potential federal funding cuts as the reason behind this decision.
In response, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit on January 30, 2026, claiming the hospital violated the legally binding conditions of its merger with Children's Hospital of Orange County, which requires maintaining gender-affirming care services through 2034. Bonta stated, "Rady Children’s Health has chosen to violate its merger agreement and California law in response to the Trump Administration’s illegal campaign against providers of gender-affirming care."
On February 11, 2026, a San Diego judge ruled that the hospital must continue providing gender-affirming care for patients under 19, excluding major surgeries, while the litigation is ongoing, according to local reporting. Megan Noor, an attorney with the Transgender Law Center, stated that the Attorney General sought an injunction to ensure care continuity while the case is pending.
Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit was filed on February 25, 2026, by four minors against Rady Children's Health, alleging the cessation of gender-affirming care violated California’s anti-discrimination laws. The suit seeks injunctive relief, actual and statutory damages (with a statutory minimum of $4,000 per violation), declaratory relief, and attorney’s fees, as detailed in court filings.
Advocates have criticized the hospital for not assisting patients with transferring care to other providers or providing information about alternative options. Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director of TransFamily Support Services, said, "They're not even helping their patients with transferring care to another provider. They're not giving them information of where else they can go."
About 1,900 patients were affected by Rady Children’s decision to cease gender-affirming treatment, highlighting the significant impact of the legal and healthcare dispute. The court’s order preserves access to care for these minors during ongoing legal proceedings in this evolving area of healthcare and civil rights.
By the numbers:
- 1,900 patients affected — Rady Children’s decision to end gender-affirming care
- 2034 — Merger agreement term requiring continuation of gender-affirming services
- $4,000 per violation — Statutory minimum damages sought in class action lawsuit
What's next: Ongoing litigation will determine the final legality of Rady Children’s cessation of gender-affirming care and may influence statewide policies.