Access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth is ending, Rady Children’s Hospital announced Tuesday.
The change, which evidently took patients and parents by surprise, came amid a pressure campaign from the Trump administration and its allies over canceling care by Feb. 6.
Care will reportedly continue for patients 19 and older, for now.
In response to a request for more information, Rady sent out a statement saying that they are ending this care in response to a federal pressure campaign and “escalating federal actions,” during which they have been referred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General to be investigated.
“Taken together, these developments affect our role and responsibilities as a provider participating in federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, which are essential to caring for all children and families in our communities,” the statement said. “For these reasons, we will no longer be providing gender-affirming medical interventions, procedures and prescriptions.
“This was a very difficult decision, made to ensure we can continue serving all children and families across the communities we serve.”
Rady added that their teams are communicating with affected patients and families for next steps, and that they remain committed to the dignity of all their patients.
TransFamily Support Services and the Alliance for TransYouth Rights are calling for a peaceful protest at 11 a.m. Jan. 24, at Rady Children’s Hospital, 3020 Children’s Way.
“We urge you to join us as we stand against clinic closures and defend access to gender-affirming care for trans youth,” said the announcement.
The decision to end gender-affirming care comes as the Trump administration had announced a flurry of investigations into centers treating trans youth nationwide.
“It’s absolutely devastating,” said Dale Melchert, an Oakland-based attorney with the Transgender Law Center, which represented a parent in a previous lawsuit against Rady.
“There’s families that have relocated from states that have bans on trans care for minors who are now considering having to relocate again…. It’s so disruptive to peoples lives, and of course there’s people who don’t have the resources to do that.”
Melchert added that caring for trans youth is not against the law, and that there are still alternatives for necessary gender-affirming care, which can be found through the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory.
He also encouraged people to leave comments on proposed regulatory actions and to contact their elected officials.
“My heart breaks for trans kids in San Diego and all across the country who won’t be able to get necessary health care because the Trump administration thinks they know what’s best for them despite what their doctors and families want,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs.
Other local lawmakers agreed.
“We share the deep disappointment and heartbreak felt by families and advocates following Rady Children’s decision,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward, who serves on the LGBTQ+ Caucus, in a statement. “We are saddened by the impact this has on transgender youth and families who rely on consistent, compassionate, and evidence-based care, and we remain concerned about the disruption this creates for patients who trusted their providers.”
“While we recognize the significant federal pressures hospitals are facing, we believe California’s values and laws are clear that discrimination in health care — such as pausing care for transgender patients while continuing to provide comparable care for non-transgender patients — is unacceptable, and that stepping away from care is not the right answer.”
This story was updated with more information at 8:09 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
