YouTube couple who decided to end pregnancy after Down Syndrome diagnosis respond to backlash
Jesse Ridgway has questioned why he and his wife Ashley are receiving negative messages for ending their pregnancy after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Taking to Instagram earlier this week, the 33-year-old who has over four million YouTube subscribers said the couple made the 'difficult decision' to end Ashley's pregnancy due to Trisomy 21, another term for the condition.
He noted that the experience has been 'extremely traumatic' for them and went on to list the health risks associated with Down syndrome, such as heart defects, hearing challenges and delayed physical development.
Over on X, however, Jesse issued a statement addressing the backlash the pair have received over their decision.
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"There are over 1,000,000 abortions every single year for a myriad of reasons, this is happening on a DAILY BASIS and is the most common outcome for Trisomy 21, yet this one blows up and people are surprised…?" he wrote.
"The reason this blew up is quite simple: IT'S BECAUSE NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT.
"I can't blame people for not talking about these vulnerable experiences publicly because you see the disgusting backlash that ensues. It's very divisive.
"Luckily, after 20 years on the Internet, this is par the course for me taking on the crazies, so I'm glad I can help further the conversation.
"That's exactly why I wanted to share this story. People still need to see vulnerability and hear the raw truth. There is real suffering going on and it is being done in silence and fear."
As well as receiving death threats, Jesse claimed that 'so many mothers' have reached out privately and condemned the pair 'on our bravery to speak truthfully about this topic and we really appreciate that support! We want you to feel less alone in this and less ashamed'.
"There has never been a more important time to speak up and out about the things that matter. Do not let the vocal minority stop you from sharing your truth," he added.
"To those who have been affected by this or are confronted with a similar situation in the future, we have your back and please feel free to reach out.
"I'm sure this will follow us awhile especially when we try for a kid again in the near future."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 73 million induced abortions take place worldwide each year.
The WHO notes that 'around 45 percent of abortions are unsafe' and that 'unsafe abortion is an important preventable cause of maternal deaths and morbidities'.
Topics: Celebrity, Social Media
Anish Vij