A California judge has ordered Rady Children’s Health to continue providing gender-affirming medical services to patients under 19, extending a legal battle that underscores the growing conflict between state mandates and federal scrutiny over youth transgender care.
The dispute began after Rady Children’s Health announced it would discontinue gender-affirming services following a referral to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for investigation. The hospital cited concerns tied to the evolving federal regulatory environment.
In response, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed suit, arguing that halting the services would violate state law. “We will not allow Rady to violate its obligations to its patients and the State,” Bonta said when announcing the lawsuit. “We will fight to uphold the law and ensure Californians can access gender-affirming care without facing unfair roadblocks.”
On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner ruled that Rady must continue offering the services, at least for now. In his remarks from the bench, Braner acknowledged the hospital’s difficult position, noting it was attempting to navigate competing pressures from state requirements and potential federal consequences.
At the same time, he emphasized concern for young patients currently receiving care. Braner said he did not want to hear of children facing delays for treatments such as hormone injections or implants, describing such scenarios as involving “at-risk” youth. “The parties are going to work closely to ensure that happens,” he said, referring to the continuation of services.
Rady Children’s Health previously stated that it remains committed to LGBTQ+ patients and providing “compassionate, respectful care.” The hospital has not indicated whether it will challenge the ruling but now must comply as the case proceeds.
Braner also recognized the uncertainty surrounding federal enforcement actions, remarking that “things are almost changing day by day.” While he acknowledged the possibility that hospitals could eventually face circumstances forcing them to reconsider such programs, he said he did not find evidence of immediate harm that justified allowing Rady to suspend care at this time.
The court has scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for next month, which will further examine whether the hospital must continue providing services while the broader legal issues are litigated.
For now, in San Diego County, gender-affirming services for minors at Rady Children’s will continue — but the long-term outcome remains unsettled as the legal fight moves forward.
