Noah O’Brien took his own life after being denied gender affirming care at Westmead Hospital

A heartbroken mother has spoken out about how her 14-year-old transgender son committed suicide after being denied gender-affirming care.

Noah O’Brien, 14, passed away in January this year. He had written a letter to his parents six months before telling them he identified as a boy.

Noah’s mother Lauren told the The four corners of ABC of the devastating loss of her son after worrying about returning to school in his new gender identity after the holidays.

“My husband gave him CPR and the ambulance, and the police arrived about four minutes after we called them and they took him to Westmead Hospital, where he remained alive until 6am,” she said.

‘That was from about 11 am. So we have seven hours to say goodbye.’

Ms O’Brien said when Noah first told her about his new gender identity, she thought he was being influenced by a friend or someone online.

“But the longer that time passed, we just saw, no, it was definitely just him, who he was,” she told the program.

Noah began restricting his food in an attempt to delay the onset of puberty.

He was admitted to Westmead Children’s Hospital in western Sydney, where he was discharged after a day, with a recommendation to seek support for gender issues.

Mrs. O’Brien, Noah’s mother, went to see his GP to get a referral, not realizing that he would be pushed down the waiting list because he had hit puberty.

His mother, Lauren (pictured), said he was denied access to gender-affirming care

Noah’s grandmother Rose Marsh told the program: “Lauren called, went to the doctors, tried to get help everywhere, but it was like doors were closing in her face. No one responded to her call for help.’

Noah was again treated for anorexia at Westmead and assessed by a social worker who suggested he should be seen by staff who could help with his gender dysphoria.

But that was countered by a senior staff member outside the gender clinic who said clinicians should focus on managing his anorexia in isolation.

Four Corners reported that Noah was “basically denied any specialized gender support by the hospital.”

Increasingly concerned about returning to school in his new gender, Noah took his own life in January.

Management at Westmead Children’s Hospital refused to speak to Four Corners and issued a statement expressing their “sincere condolences to Noah’s family”

“I feel like he didn’t get any help or support in making that transition to become a man,” his grandmother said.

“We did what we could, Lauren did more than anyone could ever do, but we just didn’t get any help that could help us.”

Management at Westmead Children’s Hospital refused to speak to Four Corners and issued a statement expressing their “heartfelt condolences to Noah’s family.”

Due to patient privacy and confidentiality, [Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network] cannot provide any further information on his specific concern,” they added.

NSW Deputy Prime Minister Prue Car said Noah’s case was “incredibly tragic.”

“No one should feel that he is in that position,” the acting prime minister told reporters on Monday.

“Of course we have to make sure that a rather vulnerable group of young people in particular is protected and supported,” she added.

For confidential support, call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support at: 13 11 14

Children’s helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)