The state of California has issued a strong warning to hospitals, urging them not to abandon transgender youth in response to a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

Trump’s order aims to prevent transgender athletes from competing in female sports and could also restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare nationwide. In reaction, California Attorney General Rob Bonta reassured medical providers of their legal obligation to continue offering care under the state’s nondiscrimination laws.

“The law requires hospitals to continue providing gender-affirming care to our transgender community,” Bonta told The Guardian on Wednesday. “We will stand with them, fight for their rights, and protect their freedoms.”

Trump’s directive prohibits federally funded medical institutions from offering gender-affirming treatments—such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers—to individuals under the age of 19. This has led some hospitals to halt treatments despite these procedures being endorsed by major US medical associations as the standard for gender dysphoria care.

Meanwhile, Trump also signed the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, reinforcing a ban on transgender women in female sports competitions.

As the debate intensifies, California remains firm in its commitment to safeguarding transgender rights, setting the stage for legal battles over access to healthcare and sports participation. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing controversy.