As a parent, I can’t stay silent while vital care for vulnerable kids is being taken away.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) just announced it will be shutting down its Center for Transyouth Health and Development on July 22—one of the largest and most trusted sources of gender-affirming care for minors in the country.

This closure isn’t about a lack of need. It’s about political pressure, budget cuts, and threats to federal funding.

CHLA says it cannot continue offering care for trans youth because of new federal threats under President Trump’s executive orders—and without Medicaid and Medi-Cal reimbursement, the hospital says it would run out of money in 50 days.

This is where California must step up.

We’re calling on Governor Gavin Newsom, the Department of Health Care Services, and state leaders to:

• Provide emergency funding to CHLA to keep the center open while a long-term plan is developed
• Offer legal and financial protection for hospitals under threat for providing medically necessary care
• Publicly affirm that California will defend access to gender-affirming care for youth—and stand by families who rely on it
   

This is not theoretical. This is happening now, in a state that claims to be a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth.

Trans youth already face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Closing this center means removing a trusted place of support and healthcare. That’s not just a policy issue—it’s a crisis of care.