Members of several LGBTQ organizations in Orange County staged a protest on January 24, 2026, outside the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, voicing their opposition to the hospital’s decision to cease providing gender-affirming care for young patients. The rally, named “Patients Before Politics,” attracted around 40 participants who urged hospital executives to prioritize the needs of patients over political pressures.
Demonstrators, including supporters like Cass Malcor holding the Progress Pride flag, expressed concern that the hospital’s decision stems from a “coordinated pressure campaign” by the Trump administration. This has reportedly led to Rady Children’s Health, which oversees the hospital, terminating gender-affirming services.
The protest highlighted the implications of recent federal actions, including the Trump administration’s proposal to cut federal funding to hospitals that offer gender-related medical care to transgender youth. According to reports, this initiative is part of a broader shift in policy from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, prompting fear among healthcare providers about potential repercussions for continuing such services.
In a statement, Rady Children’s Health described the decision to end gender-affirming care as “difficult,” yet necessary to ensure their ability to provide care to all children and families within their communities. The hospital cited an escalation in federal scrutiny, including referrals to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for investigations related to gender-affirming care.
Brit Cervantes, an organizer with the Orange County Gender Affirming Professionals Network, emphasized the growing lack of options for families seeking care. “The closure of CHOC’s program is not the first; it’s the next in a long line of children’s hospitals that have stopped providing care,” said Cervantes. Many families are now forced to seek treatment outside the state or even abroad.
Some parents at the protest expressed frustration with the hospital’s decision. A mother and father, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, lamented that although their daughter can still be seen for consultations, crucial medication cannot be prescribed. “What’s the point?” they asked, reflecting on the emotional toll this decision has taken on their family.
This issue has also caught the attention of health officials. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health Secretary, has publicly supported restricting gender-affirming treatments for minors, asserting that such interventions are unsafe and ineffective. His office issued a declaration in December stating their position, which has been met with backlash from medical professionals and advocacy groups who argue that the treatments are consistent with established medical guidelines.
California, along with 18 other states and the District of Columbia, has stepped into legal action against the Health and Human Services Department, claiming that the declaration contradicts medical standards. The pushback from these states indicates a significant divide in how gender-affirming care is viewed across the nation.
The situation at Rady Children’s Health mirrors broader trends observed in pediatric healthcare facilities. Reports indicate that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles retracted its gender-affirming care program in mid-2025, and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., followed suit in July 2025.
Despite these cutbacks, Rady Children’s has committed to continuing services such as counseling and mental health resources. Hospital officials have stated they are actively engaging with affected families to navigate the transition and ensure continuity of care through alternative resources.
As the debate over gender-affirming care intensifies, the impact on families and young individuals seeking support remains a critical concern. The Orange County protest signals a growing movement advocating for the rights and health of transgender youth, emphasizing the need for accessible medical care in their communities.
