Australian scientists on both sides of the debate over stem cell ethics have expressed their alarm at the visit of an Indian doctor who injects her patients with human embryonic stem cells. Dr Geeta Shroff, of Delhi, has developed embryonic stem cell lines to treat conditions like spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's and motor neuron disease. She claims that her therapy is safe and can result in improved movement and sensation in limbs. A number of her patients report significant improvement.

However, critics say the use of human embryonic stem cells is unproven and risky. "It would be dangerously irresponsible to administer embryonic stem cells to any human subject for any reason," said Professor Jack Martin, of the University of Melbourne. "If there is ever a place for human embryonic stem cells in treatment, it will be very many years from now."

Other scientists pointed out that improvements in some of Dr Shroff’s Australian patients could be due to a placebo effect. And even Dr Bob Williamson, a strong supporter of embryo research, expressed doubts. “In Australia we have a very, very rigorous regulation system before any new medicine, any new form of therapy can be tried. Overseas they're often not as careful which means they can go ahead more quickly but there are also more risks... The particular risk that really worries me in this case, is the risk that cells which come from another person, from an embryo, from a foetus, from cord blood, may be rejected by the patient.” ~ The Age, Oct 17; ABC, Oct 17