The National Bioethics Committee failed to decide whether to allow human somatic stem cell research to resume since its suspension a year ago following Dr. Hwang Woo-suk's research fabrication scandal.

The committee met Friday to discuss two proposals submitted by the Health Ministry in November, one to allow limited research right away on eggs that would otherwise be discarded and the other advocating a ban pending further research on animals.

But the committee said there has been enough discussion and the matter will likely be finalized during its March general meeting.