Key facts
- YouTubers Jesse and Ashley Ridgway terminated a pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis.
- Jesse Ridgway defended his wife against backlash and death threats.
- Ridgway stated he wants his children to 'outlive me and be fully functional.'
- The couple shared their story to support others in similar situations.
- The announcement generated backlash from figures like Mike Johnson and Abby Johnson.
YouTubers Jesse and Ashley Ridgway announced they terminated their pregnancy after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. Jesse Ridgway, who has over 4 million followers on his McJuggerNuggets YouTube channel, shared the decision on X, stating it was one of the most difficult choices they have made. He explained that doctors informed them their baby was likely to be born with Trisomy 21, and they wrestled with the decision. Ridgway acknowledged that some fans might be disappointed but thanked others for their support, noting the emotional toll and trauma the experience has had on both him and Ashley, who underwent the procedure. He detailed potential health challenges associated with Down syndrome, stating it is 'objectively s---ty from a health perspective.' He exclusively told Page Six on Friday, 'I want my kids to outlive me and to be fully functional and be able to live a good life.' The announcement generated significant backlash on X, with figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson criticizing the decision. Johnson emphasized the inherent dignity and value of every person, while Abby Johnson described the act as the 'murder' of a child. Other users expressed dismay, with some sharing personal stories of raising children with Down syndrome and finding them to be a blessing. In response to the criticism, which included death threats and being called 'murderous pieces of s---,' Ridgway stated that the backlash exposed a disturbing side of humanity and that the lack of public discussion on such vulnerable experiences leads to divisiveness. He noted that after 20 years online, he is accustomed to dealing with such criticism and is glad to further the conversation.