Jesse Ridgway, Ashley Ridgway End Pregnancy Over Down Syndrome Diagnosis

“The reason this blew up is quite simple: IT’S BECAUSE NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT,” he added. “I can’t blame people for not talking about these vulnerable experiences publicly because you see the disgusting backlash that ensues. It’s very divisive. Luckily, after 20 years on the Internet, this is par the course for me taking on the crazies, so I’m glad I can help further the conversation.”

Despite the disappointment in the public response to his story, Ridgway also stood by sharing it with the world. 

“People still need to see vulnerability and hear the raw truth,” he added. “There is real suffering going on and it is being done in silence and fear.”

Before ending his statement, Ridgway also expressed gratitude for the people who have stood by him and his wife during this upsetting chapter. 

“Thank you to everyone who has been supportive during this difficult time and defending our choice as parents,” he added. “It means more than you’ll ever know.”