Washington- A biotechnology firm's announcement that it cloned a human embryo generated outrage yesterday, prompting lawmakers to renew calls for an immediate ban on human cloning.

 
President Bush said the experiments, in which Massachusetts-based Advanced Cell Technology inserted outside genetic material in human eggs and got them to divide into six-cell embryos, were "morally wrong, in my opinion."

"We should not, as a society, grow life to destroy it," said Bush, who has banned the use of federal funds for such research. "And that's exactly what's taking place."

The company's CEO, Michael West, said he has no interest in cloning human beings. West said he wants to use the technique so humans can create replacement body parts compatible with their own genetic material.

Carl Feldbaum, president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization trade group, added that the technology could lead to treatments and cures for diseases including diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

"Reproductive cloning is untested, unsafe and morally repugnant," Feldbaum said in a statement. "We understand that ACT intends to use this technology solely for therapeutic purposes."

West insists that the cloned embryos are merely clumps of cells. But critics of the technology, including religious and environmental groups, insist that it upsets nature's careful balance and that the embryos are humans who should not be used for spare parts.

The Catholic Church said in a statement released from the Vatican: "Despite the declared humanistic' intentions by those who predict sensational cures via this path . . . what is needed is a calm but firm judgment which shows the moral gravity of this plan and which motivates an unequivocal condemnation."

Sen. Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican, accused the researchers of "treating human embryos like cattle or frog eggs." He demanded that the Senate immediately pass a human cloning ban that the House adopted in a 265-162 vote in July.

"Our government cannot sit idly by as mad scientists redefine what it means to be human beings," added Rep. Chris Smith, New Jersey Republican, who forecast establishment of human embryo farms to create "guinea pigs" for experiments.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has promised that the Senate will vote on cloning in February or March and doesn't plan to change that timetable, said spokesman Jay Carson. The South Dakota Democrat has said he backs research use of cloning, but opposes its use for human replication.

On Fox News Sunday, Daschle called news of the research "disconcerting."

"I think it's going in the wrong direction," Daschle added.

Ohio Sens. Mike DeWine and George Voinovich, both Republican, say they want the Senate to ban cloning swiftly.

"As science advances, the cloning of human embryos remains morally wrong and Congress needs to act to make it illegal," DeWine said in a statement.

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