California Court Orders Rady Children’s Hospital to Continue Gender-Affirming Care

Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego has been ordered by California Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner to continue providing gender-affirming care to individuals under the age of 19. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta after the hospital announced plans to cease such services. The court's decision mandates that Rady must resume hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and related prescriptions for minors already in treatment, although it does not require the hospital to perform gender-affirming surgeries. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2026, extending the temporary restraining order that reinstated these services.

California Forces Rady Children’s Hospital to Reinstate Hormones for Minors Amidst Escalating State-Federal ClashRady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s ordersSan Diego Union Tribune

Rady Children’s Hospital initially declared in July 2025 that it would stop accepting new patients for gender-affirming care, later announcing on January 20, 2026, that it would also end care for existing patients, affecting approximately 1,450 individuals. This decision was made amid threats from the federal government to withdraw funding if the hospital continued to provide gender-affirming care, which Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. characterized as failing to meet "professionally recognized standards of health care." Bonta's lawsuit claims that Rady's actions violated the terms of its merger with the Children’s Hospital at Mission and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, which stipulated the continuation of gender-affirming services.

Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s ordersCalifornia Forces Rady Children’s Hospital to Reinstate Hormones for Minors Amidst Escalating State-Federal Clash

Some LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have expressed concern over Bonta's focus on merger violations rather than directly addressing discrimination against transgender individuals. Kanan Durham, executive director of Pride at the Pier, emphasized the need for robust legal protections for gender-affirming care, questioning the efficacy of existing laws if they are not actively enforced. Additionally, the resignation of the center's director has raised alarms about continuity of care for patients, with advocacy groups urging Rady to appoint an interim director.

Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s orders

In response to the court's ruling, Rady confirmed that it would comply with the order while navigating the complexities of federal funding threats. The hospital stated that it had not completely halted all gender-affirming services, as it continued to provide mental health care. Bonta reiterated the importance of maintaining these services, highlighting Rady's unique position as the sole large pediatric provider of gender-affirming care in Southern California.

Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s orders

Judge Braner acknowledged the challenging position Rady finds itself in, caught between state law obligations and potential federal penalties. The court's ruling has not resolved the underlying tensions regarding the legality and safety of gender-affirming care, with ongoing debates about the adequacy of federal standards versus state protections.

California Forces Rady Children’s Hospital to Reinstate Hormones for Minors Amidst Escalating State-Federal Clash

“Right at this moment, I see kids at risk suffering relative degrees of harm.” — Judge Matthew Braner

California Forces Rady Children’s Hospital to Reinstate Hormones for Minors Amidst Escalating State-Federal Clash

“RCH is the sole remaining large pediatric provider of gender-affirming care in Southern California, and alternative providers …” — Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s orders

“The people strongly urge (Rady Children’s Hospital) to appoint an interim director to provide continuity of care for patients.” — Advocacy Group Statement

San Diego Union Tribune

“Sex-rejecting procedures for children and adolescents are neither safe nor effective as a treatment modality for gender dysphoria.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary

Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s orders

This ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding gender-affirming care in California, as stakeholders navigate the intersection of state and federal regulations.

Rady Children’s Hospital to continue providing gender-affirming care, per CA judge’s orders