YouTubers kill their preborn baby after Down Syndrome diagnosis

YouTuber and filmmaker Jesse Ridgway revealed this week that he and his wife, Ashley, ended a pregnancy thus killing an unborn baby after learning their child had been diagnosed with Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome.

In a statement posted to X, Ridgway said the couple received the diagnosis during the pregnancy and spent time considering how to move forward. He said the decision was difficult and had a major impact on both of them, but finally she would end up getting an abortion.

Ashley underwent the abortion earlier this week and is now recovering, according to Ridgway. He thanked supporters who reached out with messages and personal stories after the couple shared details of the situation.

“The choice was not made lightly,” Ridgway wrote, adding that he and Ashley appreciated the support they received regardless of differing opinions.

Ridgway said he was initially hopeful after learning of the diagnosis but later became concerned as he researched the condition and its potential medical complications.

“When I first confronted this news, I was shocked but optimistic,” he wrote.

In his post, Ridgway referenced a range of health issues that can be associated with Down Syndrome, including heart defects, hearing and vision problems, developmental delays, and immune system challenges. He also said some individuals with the condition may require long-term or lifelong care.

The content creator further cited concerns about risks during the pregnancy, including the possibility of miscarriage and health complications for Ashley. He said those factors contributed to the couple's decision.

“Thankfully, we had a choice,” Ridgway wrote.

He acknowledged that some followers may disagree with the decision but said it was what he and Ashley believed was best for their family. Ridgway described the experience as emotionally difficult and said recovery will take time.

The couple say they're now focused on healing and supporting one another. Ridgway had hope for the future, saying that he and Ashley would like to try again for a child.

In Iceland, studies and reporting have found that nearly all pregnancies receiving a confirmed prenatal Down Syndrome diagnosis are terminated, resulting in only a small number of children with Down Syndrome being born each year. Denmark has also reported similarly high termination rates following prenatal diagnoses, leading to low rates of the syndrome in the public.