Jesse Ridgway and wife end pregnancy after Down syndrome diagnosis

YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and his wife, Ashley, said they ended their pregnancy after learning their baby had a high chance of being born with Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. Ridgway wrote on Instagram that the decision was very difficult. Ashley underwent the procedure earlier this week and, Ridgway said, everything went smoothly, but both are emotionally drained and devastated; he described the experience as extremely traumatic, especially for Ashley.

Ridgway said the odds of a baby having Trisomy 21 were one in 1,000 and that he was initially shocked but hopeful, believing he would care for a child regardless. He later outlined health challenges associated with Down syndrome — including shorter lifespan, impaired immune function and poor muscle tone — and said he had not fully understood how hard it can be for the child and the family.

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