Superman star's TV appeal airs in the US

A TV appeal advocating stem cell research that was recorded by Christopher Reeve shortly before his death is being aired in California.

14:11 23 October 2004

A TV appeal advocating stem cell research that was recorded by Christopher Reeve shortly before his death is being aired in California.

In the advert, Mr Reeves urges Californian voters to support a controversial ballot proposal that would establish a constitutional right to conduct stem cell research within the state, whilst outlawing reproductive cloning research.

"Stem cells have already cured paralysis in animals," Mr Reeve says in the appeal. "Stem cells are the future of medicine. Please support (the ballot) and stand up for those who can't."

Reeve, 52, died of heart failure on October 10, nine years after being paralysed by a spinal injury sustained in a horse riding accident.

The Superman star was an outspoken advocate of human stem cell research and members of his family decided that the appeal should still be broadcast following his death.

California's Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has broken ranks with his party to support Proposition 71, which would provide $3bn of state money to fund stem cell research. Scientists believe that the technology can be used to help develop cures for spinal injuries and diseases such as Alzheimer's.

The state referendum on the proposals will take place on November 2, the same day as the US Presidential election.

Proponents of the measure hope that it will counteract President George W Bush's decision to restrict federal funding for stem cell research.
Reeve's widow Dana recently appeared at a campaign rally with Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry to support his pledge to boost federal funding for such research.

Opponents of the Californian proposal claim that allocating funds to stem cell research would divert money from more pressing needs such as the state's underfunded emergency care systems.