Doctors have praised the Supreme Court’s ruling against using stem cell therapy to treat autism, a condition impacting communication and behavior. The Court emphasized the lack of scientific backing and ethical concerns surrounding stem cell therapy. Private labs exploiting patients with unproven promises of autism treatment were highlighted as a pressing issue.
Dr. Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS Delhi supported the Court’s decision, emphasizing the absence of evidence supporting stem cell therapy for autism. She criticized the exploitation of families by private labs charging exorbitant fees for unproven treatments. The Ethics and Medical Registration Board had earlier stated that international guidelines do not recommend stem cell therapy for autism.
The Court stressed that unproven therapies cannot be demanded as a patient’s right. It warned against therapeutic misconceptions and unethical medical practices. Dr. Tripathi raised concerns about unregulated stem cell therapies in India, noting the prevalence of fake advertisements and false hopes for incurable disorders. The Court allowed monitored clinical trials for advanced therapies while cautioning against unregulated use.
Dr. Shefali Gulati, a paediatric neurologist at AIIMS, referenced an ICMR report debunking the benefits of stem cell therapy for autism. She advocated for research trials to establish the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy. Dr. Gulati highlighted ongoing research in mice models but stressed the need for conclusive evidence before clinical application.
