Popular YouTuber Jesse Ridgeway has responded to the "shocking" reactions he and his wife received after revealing they had terminated their pregnancy after testing positive for Down syndrome.
On May 27, Ashley and Jesse Ridgeway shared the results of an amniocentesis test, which screens for genetic conditions, birth defects, and chromosomal abnormalities, on his personal YouTube channel, and found preliminary markers for trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome.
«"They saw the results on camera in real time," Ridgeway, 33, told the Los Angeles Times in an interview published Thursday, June 4. Ridgeway added that they were "stunned" by the discovery. On Wednesday, June 3, he announced on his Instagram story that they had decided to terminate the pregnancy, calling it "a very difficult decision," the LA Times reports.
Jesse Tyler Ridgeway attends the 2018 Game Awards at the Microsoft Theater on December 6, 2018 in Los Angeles.
Ridgeway told the LA Times that his post "took on new life" because of the "controversial topic." He expected criticism, but not on this scale, calling some of the backlash "shocking." Amid "affirming" messages of support, he received "a huge number of death threats. People are calling us murderers," he continued.
«"I know some of you may be very disappointed by this news. We are devastated. This has been an extremely traumatic event for both of us, especially Ashley," Ridgeway wrote on Instagram, noting that the abortion procedure "went smoothly, but we are emotionally drained.".
According to the publication, he wrote that after receiving the test results, he was "shocked but optimistic," after which he apparently began researching the challenges faced by children with Down syndrome.
What is Down syndrome? Characteristics of trisomy 21 and its health implications.
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
In his post, Ridgeway cited statistics about Down syndrome, including that 50% babies are found to have heart defects, that hearing loss and vision problems are common in about half or more babies, and that the condition is accompanied by developmental and learning disabilities, with Down syndrome being the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, according to the National Institutes of Health.
«"It changed my life for the better": What people with Down syndrome (and their families) wish you knew.
Ridgway wrote that he "didn't realize how hard it was for a child, let alone a family.".
However, decades of advances in clinical treatment and medical technology, including corrective heart surgery, have positively impacted the health of people with Down syndrome. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, up to 80% adults with the condition live to age 60, and many live longer.
The NIH estimates that the average life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has doubled in the past 25 years, noting that "many people with Down syndrome lead happy and productive lives," but "people with Down syndrome and their families face significant and changing health challenges.".
Almost half of the parents Children with disabilities report suicidal thoughts but are unable to find help.
«"There are a million abortions performed every year, and it's shocking to me that the news of one couple choosing to have an abortion because of trisomy 21 has become public knowledge," Ridgeway told the publication. "It happens every day, and it's just not talked about.".
According to Healthline, in the United States, 67% women who test positive for Down syndrome have their pregnancies terminated, while in other Western countries the rate is higher.
According to him, the decision to share his experience was dictated by the desire to discuss this topic.
«"I kept coming back to the idea that there are so many people like us who face similar challenges, and no one talks about it," he told the publication. "I think if we share this, it will have a positive impact on other people, and they will feel more comfortable and less ashamed about facing these issues.".
He continued: "I hope other people will see that there is some value in this, but I can't continue this any further. People will make their own judgments.".
For information and support, the National Down Syndrome Society offers a toll-free hotline at 800-221-4602.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jesse Ridgway speaks out about death threats over pregnancy with Down syndrome.