A UK ban on puberty blockers for transgender youth has caused "truly appalling" harm, warns sociologist Dr Natacha Kennedy from Goldsmiths, University of London. Her study of over 100 transgender young people and their parents found that the ban led to severe distress, anxiety, fear and higher suicidal thoughts. The UK policy started in March 2024 and was extended indefinitely in December after the Cass review suggested limits on gender-affirming care. However, this review faced strong criticism for ignoring the harms of denying care. Dr Kennedy warned that similar bans in Queensland, Australia, and New Zealand "will harm trans children. Some will take their own lives." Queensland’s previous health minister praised their gender service, but the new government blocked puberty blockers and hormone prescriptions for new patients. New Zealand also announced a ban but delayed it for judicial review. Rachel Hinds, CEO of LGBTQ+ mental health support group Open Doors Youth Service, reported families are now on suicide watch due to the ban. Puberty blockers delay puberty and physical changes and are fully reversible, giving youth time to explore their gender identity. Hormone therapies can cause irreversible changes. Governments cite uncertain long-term evidence for restrictions. But paediatric expert Associate Professor Ken Pang said many child treatments have low-quality evidence, yet this is normal, and clinical experience and patient values matter too. Documents show most youth in clinics do not start puberty blockers soon after visits. Kennedy pointed out no known serious long-term harm exists from puberty blockers, citing adults who had them as youth. Research finds access to gender-affirming care is crucial for wellbeing. Dr Ronita Nath from the Trevor Project said restricting care increases suicides and is deeply harmful. Crisis helplines are available worldwide to support at-risk youth.