California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Rady Children’s Health, the parent company of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), for its decision to cease certain gender-affirming treatments for minors. This legal action follows a rally held by trans health care advocates outside CHOC on January 24, 2026, protesting the hospital’s recent announcement to discontinue hormone therapies for patients under 19, effective February 6, 2026.
The lawsuit hinges on a merger agreement made in 2024, where Rady Children’s Health committed to maintaining the same level of gender-affirming care for youth. Bonta stated that the hospital’s abrupt policy change disregards its legal obligations and jeopardizes the health of approximately 1,450 patients currently receiving care. “Rady flagrantly disregarded its legal obligations by unilaterally deciding to preemptively comply with the Administration’s demands and cease medically necessary care,” Bonta declared.
In late January, Rady Children’s Health announced that it would still provide hormone replacement therapy to patients aged 19 and older. However, it will no longer support younger patients with hormone treatments or surgeries. The hospital cited recent federal actions as a factor in its decision. The changes have sparked concern regarding the long-term health impacts on trans youth, with Bonta noting that interruptions in care can severely affect mental health and overall well-being.
Families were reportedly given just over two weeks’ notice about the changes, leaving many in a state of confusion regarding their children’s health care. One parent indicated that he learned of the restrictions through a brief note in a health care app, with no direct communication from the hospital. Bonta’s lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to restore all gender-affirming care services to their previous levels as stipulated in the merger agreement.
In response to the lawsuit, Rady Children’s Health acknowledged it is reviewing the filing and did not clarify whether it would proceed with the announced restrictions. The hospital emphasized its commitment to serving all children and families, stating that the decision was guided by its responsibilities as a nonprofit pediatric healthcare system.
Concerns about the hospital’s actions have been echoed by advocates such as Kathie Moehlig, founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services. Moehlig criticized Rady for its incremental restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare and expressed relief over the Attorney General’s intervention, stating, “Somebody’s standing up for our families.”
Bonta’s lawsuit marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to protecting gender-affirming care for youth, as he had previously opted for warnings rather than legal action against hospitals implementing restrictions. As the legal landscape surrounding gender-affirming care remains contentious, with ongoing discussions about federal regulations, the outcome of this lawsuit could have lasting implications for trans youth healthcare in California and beyond.
The federal government’s proposed regulations regarding gender-affirming care are still pending, with a comment period concluding on February 17, 2026. Advocates for trans rights continue to voice concerns over potential overreach and the impact of these actions on vulnerable populations. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the health and well-being of trans youth who rely on these critical health services.
