Matt Walsh exploded after Jessie Ridgway and Ashley terminated their pregnancy due to a Down Syndrome diagnosis (Image via Getty)
Jesse Ridgway and his wife, Ashley, are facing heavy criticism after opening up about a deeply personal decision related to their pregnancy. The YouTuber revealed this week that the couple decided to terminate the pregnancy after doctors diagnosed their unborn child with Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21.
The news sparked controversy on the Internet. Among the loudest critics was political commentator and podcaster Matt Walsh. On Thursday, June 4, Walsh shared several posts on X, formerly Twitter, where he strongly condemned the couple’s decision. His comments drew attention across social media as people continued to discuss the situation.Jesse Ridgway and Ashley first announced they were expecting a baby in March via Instagram.
Then on June 3, they shared several Instagram Stories to explain what happened. According to the couple, doctors informed them that their fetus had Down syndrome. They also said that Ashley underwent the procedure earlier this week.
Matt Walsh criticizes Jesse Ridgeway and Ashley after pregnancy announcement
Matt Walsh didn’t hold back while responding to the couple’s posts. In one message on X, he wrote: “They are psychopaths who, in a just society, would rot in prison for the rest of their lives.” He continued his criticism in another post, saying:“You cannot claim that you are aborting your child with Down Syndrome because you do not want him to ‘suffer.’
First of all, killing a child so he doesn’t suffer is the logic of a psychopathic serial killer. You are on the same moral level as Andrea Yates. Secondly, it is known that children with Down Syndrome are some of the happiest people you will ever meet.
“They’re not actually living in a state of perpetual torment,” Walsh added. “So what’s really happening is you’re killing your child so you don’t have to suffer the inconvenience of caring for him.”
It’s about freeing yourself from your perceived suffering. If you’re going to be a kid killing sociopath, at least be honest about it.Meanwhile, Jesse Ridgway said the experience was “extremely traumatic” for him and Ashley. Explaining their decision, he wrote: “Down Syndrome is not a ‘blessing’, it is an objectively bad thing from a health perspective. I did not realize how tough it would be for the child, let alone the family…More often than not, they will be completely dependent on others for the rest of their lives.”Ridgway also shared a message for people with autism or Down syndrome. “You are very important and we are happy to have you here,” he said. “I commend you and your families for having the strength and courage to come forward.”He added that he and Ashley believe their decision “will be good for their family” in the long run. According to Healthline, about 67% of pregnancies involving a diagnosis of Down syndrome are terminated in the United States.