California Attorney General Sues Rady Children’s Health Over End of Gender-Affirming Care Program

Attorney General Files Lawsuit in California

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit on Friday against Rady Children’s Health for ending its gender-affirming care program for patients under the age of 19. The program was provided through Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego, which is part of a merger with Children’s Hospital of Orange County and its affiliates.

In the filing, Bonta asserts that Rady Children’s Health violated legally binding conditions that he had placed on the merger between Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and its affiliates. The lawsuit centers on the hospital system’s decision to discontinue gender-affirming medical interventions, procedures, and prescriptions for minors.

Hospital Cites Federal Actions and Investigation

Earlier in January, Rady Children’s Hospital stated that “escalating federal actions” concerning gender-affirming care and an ongoing federal investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General led to its decision to end those services. The hospital said these developments affected its role and responsibilities as a provider participating in federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.

According to the hospital’s written statement, participation in Medicaid and Medicare is essential to caring for children and families in its communities. Citing these reasons, Rady Children’s Hospital announced it would no longer provide gender-affirming medical interventions, procedures, and prescriptions. The hospital said it would continue to offer counseling, mental health resources, and care coordination.

Impact on Patients and Previous Communications

Bonta’s lawsuit states that Rady Children’s Health ceased medically necessary care for roughly 1,450 patients when it discontinued gender-affirming services. Previously, the hospital had said that providing gender-affirming medical care under the Trump administration affected its ability to participate in federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.

A San Diego family reported that their teenager’s upcoming mastectomy surgery was canceled by Rady Children’s Hospital. They said they were told this cancellation was connected to the Trump administration’s proposal to cut federal funding to hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors.

Hospital Responds to Legal Action

In a statement, Rady Children’s Hospital said it is aware of the lawsuit filed by the California Attorney General and is reviewing the filing. The hospital stated that it does not comment on pending litigation but will address the Attorney General’s claims through the legal process.