Many scientists argue that so-called research cloning, in which cloned human embryos might be used to produce embryonic stem (ES) cells, could be a boon to medicine. The resulting ES cells could be used to study genetic diseases or--eventually--treat sick patients. Opponents of embryo research argue that such experiments create human life only to destroy it.

Scientists are in almost unanimous agreement that human reproductive cloning is not only morally questionable but also dangerous for both surrogate mother and potential child. France and Germany announced last year that they wanted a United Nations ban to block the efforts of some fringe groups to create cloned children.

But that proposal ran into opposition from the United States, which offered its own alternative, co-sponsored by 36 other countries, for a convention banning cloning of human embryos for any purpose. French and German diplomats argued that widespread support for such a broad ban would be unlikely and pushed for an immediate ban on reproductive cloning while leaving open the possibility of eventually negotiating a broader ban. The UN committee in charge of international law was unable to come to a consensus and decided yesterday to postpone any further debate on the subject until next fall.

In a statement, France and Germany said the failure to move forward "leaves the field open to those working toward giving birth to a cloned human being." A spokesperson for the German mission to the UN says his country does not necessarily disagree with the stronger ban--indeed, German law bans all cloning--but he believes a more limited ban would win more immediate support. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, have laws that expressly allow research cloning. The United States has no national legislation governing cloning, and several privately funded groups are proceeding with research cloning experiments in the United States.

--GRETCHEN VOGEL