California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal action against Rady Children’s Health, the parent company of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), following the hospital’s announcement to cease certain gender-affirming treatments for youth. This lawsuit, filed on January 24, 2026, comes in response to CHOC’s decision to halt hormone therapies for patients under 19, effective February 6, 2026, despite previously guaranteeing continuity of care in a merger agreement.
During a rally outside CHOC, advocates for transgender health care voiced their discontent with the hospital’s policy change. Bonta’s lawsuit alleges that Rady Children’s Health violated commitments made in 2024 to maintain the same level of gender-affirming care for its patients. The announcement to discontinue treatments was made late last month, with the hospital citing recent federal directives as influencing its decision.
Legal Action and Patient Impact
Bonta has described Rady’s actions as a “flagrant disregard” for its legal obligations, emphasizing that the decision affects approximately 1,450 patients who are reliant on these medically necessary services. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction requiring the restoration of all gender-affirming care services to the levels provided at the time of the merger in January 2025. This injunction would also extend to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and its other facilities throughout Southern California.
Medical experts have expressed grave concerns about the implications of discontinuing hormone treatments for transgender youth. Bonta noted that even a brief interruption in care can adversely affect a patient’s mental health and overall well-being. The short notice given to families—just over two weeks—has led to significant anxiety, leaving many in a state of medical limbo. One father of a trans patient reported learning about the treatment restrictions through a notification in a healthcare app, rather than direct communication from the hospital.
Response from Rady Children’s Health
In response to the lawsuit, Rady Children’s Health acknowledged its awareness of the legal proceedings but did not provide clarity on whether it intends to proceed with the announced restrictions. The organization stated that its decision was informed by its responsibilities as a nonprofit pediatric healthcare system to serve all children and families across its communities. They pledged to address Bonta’s concerns through the legal process.
Recent federal actions, including proposed changes to healthcare regulations concerning gender-affirming care, have sparked debate and concern among advocates and health professionals. Although the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule changes are still undergoing a comment period, many fear that the new rules could significantly limit access to necessary care for transgender youth.
Advocates, including Kathie Moehlig, founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services, have criticized Rady’s gradual limitations on access to gender-affirming care. Moehlig expressed relief at the Attorney General’s legal stance, stating that it represents a significant commitment to protecting families and their rights to care.
This lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in California’s approach to maintaining gender-affirming healthcare for youth. Bonta’s previous actions primarily involved warning letters to hospitals regarding potential legal repercussions for restricting trans youth care. The current lawsuit reflects an escalation in enforcement efforts to uphold the rights of transgender minors.
The broader implications of this case resonate within ongoing discussions about healthcare access for transgender individuals across the United States, particularly in light of increasing legislative scrutiny and proposed restrictions. As the situation develops, the outcome of Bonta’s lawsuit may set important precedents for healthcare policies affecting transgender youth in California and beyond.
