California Attorney General Sues Rady Children's Hospital Over Gender-Affirming Care

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Rady Children’s Health, the state’s largest pediatric health provider, following its announcement to cease gender-affirming care for minors. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, claims that Rady violated the terms of a merger agreement with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) that mandated the continuation of such services through 2034. Bonta's legal action marks the first significant step taken by the state against a hospital that has limited or discontinued transgender health services, which advocates argue is essential for the well-being of transgender youth.

California AG Sues Children's Hospital to Force Them to Resume Gender Affirming CareAG Bonta Sues Rady Children’s Health over Illegal Termination of Gender CareAG Bonta sues Children’s Hospital of OC’s parent company for ending gender-affirming careCalifornia sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoffCalifornia AG Bonta Files Groundbreaking Lawsuit Against Rady Children’s Hospital for Dropping Trans Youth GACState of California sues Rady Children’s Hospital over dropping gender-affirming care services

Rady Children’s Health announced the closure of its Center for Gender Affirming Care effective February 6, 2026, citing pressures from federal investigations and policies under the Trump administration that have targeted gender-affirming care. The hospital's decision affects approximately 1,450 patients under the age of 19, many of whom rely on critical treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to restore these services and claims that Rady acted unilaterally without the required approval from the attorney general.

AG Bonta Sues Rady Children’s Health over Illegal Termination of Gender Care

The lawsuit highlights the broader implications of Rady's decision, as it reflects a trend among major health systems in California retreating from providing gender-affirming care. Hospitals such as Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Stanford Medicine have also limited or ceased these services in recent months. Advocates argue that this trend exacerbates the mental health crisis among transgender youth, as interruptions in care can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

California sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoff

In response to the lawsuit, Rady Children’s Health stated that the decision to close its gender-affirming care services was "very difficult" and guided by its responsibilities as a nonprofit healthcare system. The hospital emphasized its commitment to serving all children and families while participating in essential federal programs. Bonta, however, criticized Rady for disregarding its legal obligations and emphasized that California law mandates equal access to healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of gender identity.

State of California sues Rady Children’s Hospital over dropping gender-affirming care servicesAG Bonta Sues Rady Children’s Health over Illegal Termination of Gender CareCalifornia AG Sues Children's Hospital to Force Them to Resume Gender Affirming CareAG Bonta sues Children’s Hospital of OC’s parent company for ending gender-affirming careCalifornia sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoff

While many in the transgender community view Bonta's lawsuit as a necessary step towards protecting transgender health rights, some advocates express concern over the narrow legal basis of the claims. Critics argue that the lawsuit should have been grounded in broader civil rights protections rather than focusing solely on corporate law. Kanan Durham, executive director of Pride at the Pier, noted that while the lawsuit is a positive development, it raises questions about the effectiveness of existing anti-discrimination laws.

California sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoff

The outcome of Bonta's lawsuit could set a precedent for how California regulates nonprofit hospital mergers and the provision of gender-affirming care. As the legal battle unfolds, advocates are calling for more robust protections for transgender youth and urging the state to take further action against other hospitals that may limit access to essential health services.

California sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoff

• “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,” — Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

California AG Bonta Files Groundbreaking Lawsuit Against Rady Children’s Hospital for Dropping Trans Youth GAC

• “If my child had a different diagnosis, they would likely have a surgery date tomorrow. But because of who my child is, the door was closed. Not by an insurance algorithm, but by the very institution we trusted to care for them.” — Sasha, Parent of a Trans Minor

California AG Bonta Files Groundbreaking Lawsuit Against Rady Children’s Hospital for Dropping Trans Youth GAC

• “We need to stop with the letters. We need to stop with the announcements. We need to see action,” — Dannie Ceseña, Director of the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network

California sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoff

• “The thing that is so powerful for so many of us who have been working so hard and crying out for someone to do something is that it’s the first time the state has recognized our children are valid members of society and worthy of protection by the laws of this state,” — Arne Johnson, Parent and Organizer

California sues Rady Children's over transgender health care cutoff