Two major hospital systems in Southern California have stopped providing hormone therapy to transgender youth under 19, citing escalating actions by the Trump administration, according to reports and statements released Friday.
Rady Children’s Health, which operates Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and affiliated facilities, announced the discontinuation of gender-affirming hormone therapy, impacting approximately 1,500 patients. The decision follows a referral to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General for investigation, Rady Children’s Health stated.
The move comes as the Trump administration has intensified efforts to limit access to gender-affirming care for young people. In December, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed rule changes that could cut federal funding to hospitals offering such care. These proposed rules are a key factor in Rady Children’s decision, according to the health system.
“The staff in the clinic are just unbelievably wonderful, but they don’t have real control over whether or not they care for us,” said Brett, a San Diego father whose son has been receiving hormone treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital, as reported by NPR. Brett, who requested to be identified only by his first name, described his son’s positive transformation after beginning treatment and expressed dismay at the disruption of care.
The HHS, in an emailed statement, asserted that gender-affirming care does not meet “professionally recognized standards of health care.” This claim is disputed by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Endocrine Society, and the American Psychological Association, all of which support evidence-based gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends delaying gender-related surgeries until age 19, but such surgeries represent a small proportion of care sought by transgender minors.
More than a dozen hospitals nationwide have curtailed gender-affirming hormone therapy for youth in the past year, according to reports. Kellan Baker of the Movement Advancement Project noted that the potential loss of federal funding – roughly 50% of hospital funding nationally comes from programs like Medicare and Medicaid – is a significant concern for healthcare providers.
Alex Sheldon, executive director of the LGBTQ medical association GLMA, reported hearing from healthcare professionals who fear legal repercussions and even blame if patients experience adverse outcomes due to the loss of care. “That if their young person dies by suicide as they cannot get access to treatment, that it would be that nurse’s fault,” Sheldon relayed from a conversation with a nurse.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction to restore care at Rady Hospital, challenging the Trump administration’s actions. As of Friday, March 20, 2026, the lawsuit is ongoing. Families are now seeking alternative care options, with limited availability, and some are considering moving out of state or even abroad to access treatment for their children.
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