California Attorney General Rob Bonta accuses Rady Children’s Health of violating a merger agreement by ending gender-affirming care for patients under age 19.
SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is suing Rady Children’s Health over its recent decision to end gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years old.
In the suit filed Friday, Bonta argues the move violates legally binding conditions tied to Rady’s 2024 merger with Children’s Hospital of Orange County, which required the hospitals to maintain those services through 2034.
Bonta also says Rady failed to notify his office or seek approval before ending care for more than 1,400 patients.
“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,” Bonta said in a release posted on his office’s website. “Rady flagrantly disregarded its legal obligations by unilaterally deciding to preemptively comply with the Administration’s demands and cease medically necessary care for roughly 1,450 patients. We will not allow Rady to violate its obligations to its patients and the State. We will fight to uphold the law and ensure Californians can access gender-affirming care without facing unfair roadblocks.”
Bonta is asking a San Diego judge to order the hospital to restore all gender-affirming care services and to impose penalties.
In a statement sent to CBS 8 on Saturday, Rady says it is aware of the lawsuit and is reviewing it.
“Because this matter is now pending litigation, we are not able to comment on the specific allegations at this time,” the statement reads. “The recent changes to our gender-affirming care services reflect a very difficult decision. That decision was guided by our responsibilities as a nonprofit pediatric healthcare system to continue serving all children and families across our communities, including through participation in essential federal programs. We will address the Attorney General’s claims through the legal process.”
On January 20, Rady Children’s Health announced it will discontinue all gender-affirming procedures, prescriptions, and medical interventions effective February 6.
The hospital cited concerns about the political environment, potential federal investigation, and the possibility of losing federal funding.
The move sparked protests from members of the trans community and some San Diego city leaders.
WATCH | Protest after Rady Children’s Hospital announces it will end gender-affirming procedures