A New Jersey-based influencer couple revealed they now sleep next to a gun after receiving intense hate over their decision to terminate a pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis. 

Internet stars Jesse Ridgway, 33, and Ashley Ridgway, 31, announced that they had made the ‘difficult decision’ to terminate their pregnancy earlier this week, two months after learning their unborn child had Down syndrome. 

• Couple share video explaining that they terminated pregnancy because fetus had Down syndrome

The couple has gone viral after posting a deeply personal video explaining why they made the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy when doctors informed them that their unborn child had Down syndrome. The video, originally shared on social media, has sparked widespread conversation about prenatal testing, reproductive rights, and the emotional weight of such decisions.

The couple said they chose to speak publicly to help others understand the complexity of the situation and to counter the judgment they have received online.

“We didn’t make this decision lightly,” the woman says in the video. “We spent days crying, researching, talking to doctors, and trying to understand what life would look like for our baby.”

Her partner added that the diagnosis came with additional medical complications that made the prognosis even more uncertain.

Link to the Video

The video referenced in this story can be viewed here:

A Decision They Say Was Made Out of Love

In the video, the couple explains that the fetus was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, the genetic condition that causes Down syndrome. They said doctors also warned of potential heart defects and other health challenges that could severely impact the child’s quality of life.

The couple emphasized that their decision was not about rejecting people with disabilities, but about the specific medical realities they were facing.

“We know many families raise beautiful children with Down syndrome,” the woman said. “But our situation came with additional complications that we weren’t prepared for, and we made the choice we felt was most compassionate.”

Public Reaction

The video has generated a mix of support and criticism. Many viewers praised the couple for their honesty and vulnerability, while others expressed strong disagreement with their decision.

Advocacy groups for individuals with Down syndrome have also weighed in, urging compassion for all families navigating prenatal diagnoses.

Raising Awareness About Prenatal Decisions

The couple said they hope their transparency will help others feel less alone when facing similar circumstances.

“We’re sharing this because someone out there is going through the same thing and feels like they can’t talk about it,” the man said. “You’re not alone.”

• Couple share video explaining that they terminated pregnancy because fetus had Down syndrome