Respectful Appeal

We respect the Hon’ble Court and its intentions. We humbly request that the judgment be reviewed with consideration of the lived realities of families, the developmental needs of children, and the scientific and clinical evidence submitted.

Our Concerns

On 30 January 2026, the Hon’ble Supreme Court delivered its judgment in Writ Petition (C) No. 369 of 2022, discontinuing stem cell therapy for autism as a clinical treatment and directing that it be undertaken only within clinical trials.

As parents and primary caregivers, and as the most directly affected stakeholders, we respectfully submit the following concerns:

1. Absence of Hearing for Primary Stakeholders

Despite being the most affected stakeholders, the Parents Forum for Stem Cells in Autism and Cerebral Palsy was not given an opportunity for verbal hearing before the judgment.

Hearing affected parties is a fundamental principle of natural justice. Parents are the primary caregivers and decision-makers for their children, and their voices are essential to understanding the real impact of this decision.

2. Parent Testimonials

Parents submitted testimonials documenting improvements observed in their children following therapy.

These submissions are not reflected in the judgment.

3. Scientific Evidence

Submissions included 83 scientific publications in peer-reviewed medical journals documenting safety and clinical benefits.

These submissions are not reflected in the judgment.

4. Children Already Undergoing Treatment

Children already undergoing therapy have been directed to discontinue treatment and may be redirected to clinical trials at other institutions.

Interrupting ongoing therapy may risk loss of progress achieved over time.

5. Parents’ Ability to Seek Treatment

The judgment states that parents cannot demand treatment for their children.

Parents respectfully submit that medical decisions for children are ordinarily based on informed consent, medical advice, and the best interests of the child. Restricting access to available treatment options raises serious concerns regarding the child’s right to health and wellbeing.

Immediate Impact on Children and Families

For families, the impact is immediate and deeply distressing:

* Children in the middle of treatment cycles face interruption that may reverse progress.

* Parents fear regression in speech, behaviour, and daily functioning.

* Families who finally witnessed improvement now face renewed uncertainty.

* Children who showed progress after years of struggle may lose vital developmental momentum.

For children already struggling to learn and function, regression can be catastrophic and life-altering.

Progress in developmental conditions is fragile. Lost time can mean lost independence.

Uncertainty of the Clinical Trial Route

We understand that therapy may continue through clinical trials. However, this pathway creates serious uncertainty:

* there is no guarantee a child will receive treatment

* children may be placed in control groups and receive no therapy

* families may travel long distances yet not receive treatment

* trial timelines may delay therapy for months

* children may undergo testing without assurance of treatment

* some trials may exclude children previously treated

For a developing child, losing six months or more can mean the difference between independence and lifelong dependency.

Being forced to leave trusted treating doctors and shift to unfamiliar centres is frightening for families.

Why Parents Are Deeply Affected

As parents, we are the most affected group.

We are caregivers who have sacrificed careers, finances, sleep, and emotional stability to support our children. Years of therapies, rehabilitation, and relentless effort define our daily lives.

Our children often cannot speak for themselves. We are their voice.

Our experiences, our fears, and our hopes deserve to be heard.

My Experience

My grandson Vihaan who is only eleven and is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was finally expanding his wings and getting ready to soar the world. His footsteps and speech solidified by stem cell therapy are now threatened. As his only guardian, I want to ensure that my grandson’s development is not hindered due to the esteemed Supreme Court’s ruling. 

I write not only as a grandparent but also as a member of the Parents Forum for Stem Cells in Autism and Cerebral Palsy.

I have witnessed firsthand the emotional, financial, and physical toll this journey takes on families.

I have also witnessed the hope that cellular therapies have brought to many children and families.

Parents of Indian origin travel from across the world seeking treatment in India because of the trust they place in the expertise, doctors, and medical facilities available here.

Taking away this hope without fully understanding our perspective is deeply painful.

National Commitment to Dignity, Inclusion and Innovation

India has taken important steps to uphold dignity and inclusion for persons with disabilities through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister encouraged the use of the term Divyangjan to recognise ability, dignity, and potential rather than limitation. This vision reflects a national commitment to ensuring that every child is supported to reach their fullest potential.

India has also emerged as a leader in medical science and innovation, including advancements in regenerative medicine. Supporting research, clinical experience, and compassionate care reflects the nation’s commitment to improving the lives of children with developmental challenges.

A Matter of Hope

For many families, this therapy has represented hope after years of struggle and limited progress.

Hope has been taken away without fully understanding the lived realities of families and children.

We do not seek conflict. We seek understanding.

We do not seek exception. We seek compassion.

Our Humble Request

We urge compassionate continuity of stem cell therapy for children with autism who are mid-treatment and at risk of losing hard-won progress.

We respectfully seek a review of the judgment to ensure that parents’ lived experiences, scientific evidence, and the best interests of affected children are fully considered.

Specifically, we request:

 1. An opportunity for parents, as primary stakeholders, to be heard.

 2. Consideration of parent testimonials and clinical improvements submitted.

 3. Consideration of the scientific evidence documenting safety and benefits.

 4. Continuity of treatment for children already undergoing therapy.

 5. Protection of parents’ ability to make informed medical decisions in the best interest of their children.

Vihaan and our children are not mere statistics; they are individuals with the right to live with dignity and the best possible health. And as parents, it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the same. An abrupt stop to their treatment is not in their "best interest”. Every day this order stands is a day Vihaan and other children like him fall further behind.

Through this petition, we want to humbly urge the Honourable Supreme Court for the compassionate continuity of stem cell therapy for children with autism already under-treatment. 

While we place our faith in the Supreme Court, we also place our faith in you to support us in our crusade. Help our children continue finding themselves. 

Please sign and share this petition to tell the government: Don’t take away our children’s hope. Protect their right to heal.