The high court is to be asked to decide whether the statutory regulation of homeopaths is safe, amid concerns that some of those on an accredited register are offering an anti-vaccine “cure” for children with autism.
The Good Thinking Society, a charity that promotes rational thinking and scepticism in science, argues that anti-vaxxers are effectively being given a government “kite mark” because they are registered by the Society of Homeopaths. It has been given permission for a judicial review of the Professional Standards Authority’s (PSA) decision to re-accredit the Society of Homeopaths as an official regulatory body. It will argue the PSA is failing to protect children.
The court hearing has been granted at a time of increased concern over falling vaccination rates, with the UK having lost its measles-free status and health minister Matt Hancock considering the introduction of mandatory vaccinations for school children.
On the books of the Society of Homeopaths are practitioners of Cease therapy, which stands for complete elimination of autistic spectrum expression. Cease was invented by a Dutch doctor called Tinus Smits, who died of cancer in 2010.
Cease therapists claim autism is caused mostly by vaccines and “toxic medication and other toxic substances”. Therapists offer homeopathic treatments, dietary restrictions and vitamin C in doses higher than recommended in national guidelines. Smits believed that fever and diarrhoea in autistic children was a manifestation of the toxins leaving the body and should not be treated.
The Federation of Holistic Therapists, accredited by the PSA, also admits homeopaths, but they have a very clear anti-Cease position.
The PSA re-accredited the Society of Homeopaths in April in spite of complaints. In its annual review, it said its panel “had been concerned by the potentially severe health risks posed by Cease therapy. The panel had noted the society’s comments that it did not support harmful practices related to Cease, such as discouraging vaccinations and encouraging extreme doses of dietary supplements.” The Society of Homeopaths undertook to review the practice of homeopaths using Cease therapy.
The Good Thinking Society says the PSA is effectively sanctioning the use of Cease therapy and the anti-vaccine stance of homeopaths who practice it.
Michael Marshall, project director of Good Thinking, said: “Being part of the PSA’s accredited voluntary register scheme is clearly a boon to the Society of Homeopaths and its members – this is apparent from how prominently homeopaths, including those who practice the anti-vaccination Cease therapy, display the PSA’s logo on their websites and marketing materials. Accreditation by the PSA is used as a signifier that those homeopaths are competent, trustworthy and safe, but that accreditation can only carry any meaning if the PSA takes seriously their duty to protect the public from harmful practices.
“The PSA have acknowledged that members of the Society of Homeopaths are offering a treatment that is harmful and that is targeted at a particularly vulnerable group. Given those concerns, for the PSA to go ahead and accredit these homeopaths all the same not only makes a mockery of their whole accreditation scheme, but it is arguably in breach of its legal duties.”
A spokesperson for the PSA said: “We are aware of the claims made by the Good Thinking Society but as the matter is currently before the court, we are not in a position to comment further.” The Society of Homeopaths did not respond to a request for comment.
