San Diego, February 6, 2026
A San Diego judge has delayed a decision on Rady Children’s Hospital’s gender-affirming care for patients under 19, following a lawsuit by California’s Attorney General. Initial ruling was set for February 6, but has now been postponed to February 10, affecting around 1,450 patients. The lawsuit argues the hospital’s cessation of care violates its merger agreement that mandates the maintenance of specialty services. Advocates express concern for the mental and physical health of affected individuals as the legal battle unfolds.
San Diego Judge Delays Decision on Rady Children’s Ending Gender-Affirming Care
San Diego, California – A San Diego judge has postponed a ruling on whether Rady Children’s Hospital must continue providing gender-affirming care to patients under 19. The decision, initially expected on February 6, 2026, has been delayed, with a new date set for February 10, 2026. This development follows a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta against the hospital for allegedly violating merger conditions by ceasing these services.
Background of the Lawsuit
In January 2026, Rady Children’s Hospital announced it would stop offering gender-affirming care to patients under 19, effective February 6, 2026. The hospital cited concerns over potential federal actions that could result in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare funding for facilities providing such care. However, this decision was made without notifying the Attorney General, as required by the conditions of its merger with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in 2024. The merger agreement stipulated that Rady must maintain existing levels of specialty healthcare services, including gender-affirming care, through 2034. The Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks to restore these services and enforce compliance with the merger conditions.
Implications for Patients and Healthcare Providers
The delay in the court’s decision leaves approximately 1,450 patients uncertain about the future of their gender-affirming care. Advocates for transgender rights express concern over the potential impact on the mental and physical health of these individuals. The case also highlights the broader challenges healthcare providers face in navigating federal policies that may conflict with state laws protecting access to gender-affirming care. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for similar cases nationwide.
Related Developments
Rady Children’s Hospital is not the only institution facing challenges regarding gender-affirming care. In July 2025, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles announced the closure of its gender-affirming care program, citing threats of federal funding cuts. This decision was met with criticism from advocates who argue that such closures adversely affect transgender youth seeking essential healthcare services. The ongoing legal battles underscore the tension between federal directives and state protections for gender-affirming care.
Looking Ahead
The San Diego court’s forthcoming decision on February 10, 2026, will be pivotal in determining the future of gender-affirming care at Rady Children’s Hospital. Stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, await the ruling, which will have significant implications for the accessibility of gender-affirming healthcare services in California and potentially influence similar cases across the nation.
FAQ
What is the current status of Rady Children’s Hospital’s gender-affirming care services?
The hospital announced it would stop providing gender-affirming care to patients under 19, effective February 6, 2026. However, a San Diego judge has delayed a decision on whether the hospital must continue these services, with a new ruling date set for February 10, 2026.
Why did Rady Children’s Hospital decide to end gender-affirming care for patients under 19?
The hospital cited concerns over potential federal actions that could result in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare funding for facilities providing such care. This decision was made without notifying the Attorney General, as required by the conditions of its merger with Children’s Hospital of Orange County in 2024.
What are the implications of the Attorney General’s lawsuit against Rady Children’s Hospital?
The lawsuit seeks to restore gender-affirming care services and enforce compliance with the merger conditions, which require the hospital to maintain existing levels of specialty healthcare services, including gender-affirming care, through 2034. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for similar cases nationwide.
How does this situation relate to other healthcare providers?
Similar challenges have been faced by other institutions, such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which announced the closure of its gender-affirming care program in July 2025 due to threats of federal funding cuts. These developments highlight the broader tension between federal policies and state laws protecting access to gender-affirming care.
What is the expected timeline for a resolution in this case?
The San Diego court is scheduled to make a decision on February 10, 2026. This ruling will determine whether Rady Children’s Hospital must continue providing gender-affirming care to patients under 19, as stipulated in the merger agreement.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hospital Affected | Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California |
| Service Affected | Gender-affirming care for patients under 19 |
| Legal Action | Lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta |
| Merger Agreement | Requires maintenance of gender-affirming care through 2034 |
| Court Decision Date | February 10, 2026 |
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