California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit against Rady Children’s Health. This action comes in response to the hospital’s recent decision to close its gender-affirming care program for patients under 19.
Earlier this January, Rady cited “escalating federal actions” related to gender-affirming care as a reason for this closure, along with an ongoing federal investigation by the Health and Human Services’ Inspector General.
Bonta claims that Rady’s choice violates the merger conditions set when Rady Children’s Hospital merged with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). He highlighted that Rady’s decision was made to comply with what he described as the Trump Administration’s “illegal campaign” against gender-affirming care providers. This closure affects about 1,450 young patients who rely on these critical services.
“It’s unacceptable that Rady would choose to disregard legal obligations,” Bonta said. “We are committed to ensuring that all Californians can access gender-affirming care without unnecessary barriers.”
Moving forward, Rady stated that their ability to provide such care was impacted by potential federal funding cuts related to gender-affirming services. They emphasized their commitment to offering counseling, mental health support, and care coordination to families in need, but they will no longer provide medical interventions like surgeries or prescriptions.
This issue reflects a broader national trend. A recent study revealed that nearly 70% of U.S. hospitals offering gender-affirming care have faced pressures or changes based on shifting political climates. Parents and families are increasingly concerned about these impacts. Some, like a San Diego family shared by NBC 7, experienced canceled procedures for their teenager due to similar pressures.
As the debate around gender-affirming care intensifies, many are left wondering how these political decisions will affect both healthcare providers and vulnerable patients. The landscape continues to shift, and families are anxiously navigating the available options for their loved ones. For more on this evolving story, check out further coverage from trusted news sources like NBC News or The New York Times.
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