YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and his wife Ashley have disclosed that they are facing death threats and online abuse after revealing their decision to terminate a pregnancy following a Down syndrome diagnosis. The 33-year-old content creator shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday, with his 31-year-old wife Ashley later reposting it. The couple explained that the decision was made after doctors diagnosed the fetus with Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome.
The Difficult Decision
In his post, Jesse wrote, "This week, my wife and I made the very difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy due to Trisomy 21. The choice was not made lightly." He described the experience as "extremely traumatic" for both of them and acknowledged that some followers might disagree with their decision. "When I first confronted this news, I was shocked but optimistic," Jesse added. "If they're a little slow intellectually, then we'll make it work. I signed on to be a parent, come what may... but I just didn't fully understand what Down syndrome entailed."
Health Concerns and Consultation
Ridgway also highlighted health complications associated with Down syndrome, including heart defects, hearing issues, and delayed development. He noted that he and Ashley had consulted doctors, family members, and genetic counselors before making their choice. He claimed that many women opt to terminate pregnancies after a Down syndrome diagnosis and suggested that such decisions are often kept private due to stigma. "This was WAY higher than I expected, I thought it would be lower given I hear so many say they kept or would keep the baby," he wrote. "I believe that's because most terminations happen privately [and] it feels shameful. A lot of judgement being cast."
Addressing Critics
Addressing critics, including those with autism or Down syndrome, Jesse stated, "You matter a lot and we're glad you're here. I commend you and your families for having the strength and courage to push forward." He reiterated that the couple believes they made the right decision for their family and expressed hope for a future pregnancy. "As for us, we made a difficult decision that we believe in the long-run will be beneficial for our family. Thankfully, we had a choice. It will take a little time to move on, but we are excited to try again in the future and hopefully have a better outcome."
Wave of Abuse and Threats
Following the announcement, Ridgway reported that both he and Ashley have been subjected to a wave of online abuse and death threats. He described receiving "hate and vitriol," including being called "murderous pieces of s***" and compared to Adolf Hitler. He also claimed that some users targeted his six-year-old dog, which is suffering from stage four kidney disease, as part of the harassment. Ridgway condemned those sending threats, calling them "trashy people" and criticizing individuals using religious arguments to justify the abuse.
Background and Legal Context
The couple, based in New Jersey, first announced their pregnancy in March through a social media post showing ultrasound images. Abortion is legal in New Jersey at all stages of pregnancy, and the couple confirmed that the procedure was carried out earlier this week. The Jesse Ridgway (McJuggerNuggets) YouTube channel has over 4.3 million subscribers.
