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YouTuber Couple Ends Down Syndrome Pregnancy, Receives Threats

6/6/2026

Summary

Ridgway Ends Pregnancy

On June 3, 2026, Jesse Ridgway (YouTuber) announced that he and Ashley ended their pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis, noting up to 90 percent of women terminate such pregnancies and 1.12 million abortions occurred in 2025.
After posting on June 4, 2026 they received threats calling them “murderous pieces of s***,” and installed a gate and a gun on June 5.
Ashley said she does not regret sharing the decision and they plan a child.

Summary

NIPT Spurs Abortions

About 25 %–50 % of U.S. pregnancies use non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down syndrome.
Studies show an average 67 % termination rate after a positive Down-syndrome screen, ranging 61 %–93 %.
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, abortion laws vary by state, with some banning and others allowing fetal-anomaly abortions.
Disability-rights groups warn that abortions after Down-syndrome diagnoses can devalue disabled lives and increase stigma.
The National Down Syndrome Society reports up to 80 % of adults with the condition now reach age 60, and NIH says lifespan has doubled in 25 years.

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Ridgway Ends Pregnancy

On June 3, 2026, Jesse Ridgway (YouTuber) announced that he and Ashley ended their pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis, noting up to 90 percent of women terminate such pregnancies and 1.12 million abortions occurred in 2025.
After posting on June 4, 2026 they received threats calling them “murderous pieces of s***,” and installed a gate and a gun on June 5.
Ashley said she does not regret sharing the decision and they plan a child.

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