Christopher Reeve appears in stem cell advert

Even in death, Superman star Christopher Reeve is promoting human embryonic stem cell research.

The paralysed actor stars in a new TV commercial in support of a California ballot measure that would devote $3bn to stem cell experiments.

The 30-second spot was filmed about a week before Reeve died of an infection on October 10.

“Stem cells have already cured paralysis in animals,” Reeve says, referring to work with paralysed rats that were made to walk again after being injected with stem cells at the University of California. “Stem cells are the future of medicine. Please support Proposition 71 and stand up for those who can’t.”

The spot was to be screened throughout California tonight, the day after Reeve’s widow endorsed John Kerry for president.

The actor was paralysed from the neck down in a 1995 horse riding accident.

“His family and his foundation wanted the people of California to see this recently recorded message,” said Kathy Lewis, chief executive of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.

Opponents of the November 2 ballot measure decried the ad.

“I think it’s pretty pathetic that we are playing on the fears of those who are sick,” said Jennifer Lahl, executive director of the Bay Area CentrCentreer for Bioethics and Culture. “This is playing on fears that help is on the way, that cures are around the corner.”

Kerry and President George Bush are battling over the ethics of human embryonic stem cell research, which requires the destruction of days-old embryos. Many conservatives who believe life begins at conception oppose such research.

Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger broke party ranks last week and endorsed the ballot measure.

A Public Policy Institute of California poll found 50% of likely voters support the measure, with 39% opposed and 11% undecided.