Overview
- Ridgway said in posts and a video released in early June that an amniocentesis returned results consistent with Trisomy 21 and that his wife, Ashley, had the termination on Monday and is physically recovering.
- The couple said they consulted doctors, genetic counselors, family and friends before choosing termination and described medical risks associated with Down syndrome as central to their decision.
- After publishing their account to millions of followers the Ridgways received supportive messages but also a large volume of angry comments and what they say included nonstop death threats and severe harassment.
- Ridgway and Ashley say they went public to reduce silence around this experience and to help others facing similar choices, and they added they plan to try to conceive again in the near future.
- Coverage has broadened into a debate over prenatal diagnosis and reproductive choice, with outlets citing varying termination rates for Trisomy 21—about 67% in the U.S. and much higher in some European countries—while advocates note many people with Down syndrome lead fulfilling lives with proper supports.