YouTube couple who made 'difficult decision' to end pregnancy after diagnosis share family's response
YouTuber Jesse Ridgway has lambasted the family of his wife, Ashley Ridgway, for the way they have reacted after the couple announced the 'very difficult decision' to terminate their pregnancy due to a foetal Down Syndrome diagnosis.
After announcing their pregnancy in March, the social media couple shared the heartbreaking news on June 3 in an X post after learning of their unborn baby's health condition, also known as Trisomy 21.
Jesse shared some of the health risks associated with Down's Syndrome, saying it was 'objectively s**tty from a health perspective' and not 'a blessing'.
The couple, who married in 2025, have since been on the receiving end of intense backlash, with them even being sent death threats.
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The animosity has not just been isolated to the internet, however, as Jesse has revealed that some members of his wife's family have partaken in the abuse as well.
Taking to Facebook, Jesse revealed that his family had given Ashley a gift, whereas her family has been 'nowhere to be found' since their decision - which was a choice that was 'not made lightly'.
"Some even going as far as joining in on the bandwagon hate PUBLICLY, kicking her while she's down at her lowest point," he claimed.
'Accusing me of abuse and that I'm brainwashing her'
Though he didn't clarify which family members, he accused some of them of sending text messages to Ashley during the ordeal.
He continued: "She has received text messages from her family accusing me of abuse and that I'm brainwashing her... issuing ultimatums that she needs to LEAVE ME IMMEDIATELY. Audacious s**t that will have your head spinning because of the delusion and lack of consideration.
"Downright disgusting gossip and s**t-talking amongst important people in her life as if she's not even blood. No backbone, just cowardice as they accuse me of making the decision and controlling/manipulating her over all the years of being together.
"We've put up with a lot of s**t, but when it's your own family exercising their bitterness and turning their backs when it matters the most, it really reveals everything about their character.
"I don't relish in sharing these things because it only furthers a divide, but when you're MIA, complicit and offensive during the hardest times of our life then you will never deserve to be there when it's good."
'My wife is the sweetest and strongest woman I know'
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 73 million induced abortions happen every year, yet there is still a stigma attached to the medical procedure in some communities, and it is still illegal in some countries, including certain states in the USA.
The critical response Jesse and Ashley have received is what is inspiring him to keep discussing the issue on social media.
"My heart goes out to all of the women who have had to keep their abortions private for fear of judgment from friends/family," the 33-year-old continued. "It's the last thing you should be dealing with when you're already confronting the hardest/worst of times.
"This is the sad reality. It's why I will continue to speak out. It's why sharing is better than hiding. The truth may be hard, but at least you're living freely.
"Do NOT ever let the opinions of others define your life or else you will be living a life that's not YOURS.
"My wife is the sweetest and strongest woman I know, the last thing she deserves is to be treated this way."
For help, support and advice about abortion, contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service on 03457 30 40 30, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am to 2.30pm on Sundays.
Daniel Murphy