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California Sues Rady Children’s Over Halt to Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The suit alleges a breach of merger terms that required the hospital to maintain those services through 2034.

Overview

  • Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the case in San Diego Superior Court on Jan. 30, seeking a permanent injunction, civil penalties, and restoration of services to pre-merger levels.
  • Rady announced on Jan. 20 that it would stop medical interventions, procedures, and prescriptions for patients under 19 effective Feb. 6, while continuing counseling, mental health resources, and care coordination.
  • Bonta’s office says roughly 1,450 youth across San Diego and Orange counties stand to lose medically necessary care under the hospital’s plan.
  • Rady cites escalating federal actions, including a referral to the HHS Office of Inspector General and concerns about Medicare and Medicaid participation, and says it is reviewing the lawsuit.
  • Federal proposals targeting funding for providers of pediatric gender-affirming care have not been finalized, with public comment open until Feb. 17 and related litigation underway.