Eugenics Is Trending Again: YouTube Influencer Aborts Down Syndrome Baby 

Popular YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and his wife, Ashley, aborted their unborn baby because of a Down syndrome diagnosis. 

Ridgway runs a YouTube account called McJuggerNuggets with 4.34 million subscribers, where he makes videos featuring scripted stories. His “Psycho Series” alone has earned over two billion views. 

Last Wednesday, Ridgway went to X to announce the “very difficult” abortion decision to his large following. At first, he says, he was “shocked but optimistic,” after receiving the diagnosis. “I signed on to be a parent, come what may,” he wrote, “but I just didn’t fully understand what Down syndrome entailed.” 

He cited health issues a Down syndrome child could face. 

“50% of babies with DS have heart defects. 75% will have hearing challenges. Over 50% will have vision problems. Impaired immune function, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, delayed physical development, poor muscle tone, structural issues with face, decreased lifespan, etc.” 

But beyond killing his unborn baby for potential health concerns, the YouTuber cited a more selfish reason: The child would be an inconvenience for his family. 

“More often than not, they would be fully dependent on others for the rest of their life.” 

Ridgway signaled he found peace in the commonality of this decision. 

“We spoke with doctors, friends, family, and genetic counselors and learned that up to 90% of women terminate their pregnancy after learning the baby has Trisomy 21.” 

Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down syndrome, is a genetic condition in which there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. 

Ridgway ended by saying the couple needed “a little time to move on” from killing his unborn baby, but that they are excited to “try again” in hopes of “a better outcome.” 

‘Evil’ Applause and Righteous Outrage 

Response to Ridgway’s announcement has been enormous. His post has gotten over 22.4 million views, 18 thousand replies, and 2.9 thousand reposts. 

Some agreed with the abortion decision and the reasoning behind it. 

Zack on X acknowledged that this was a “common eugenics W (win),” and that he’d “kill the kid too.” 

Jennie supported by saying only Ridgway and his wife could know what they could “deal with,” and that they have “zero reason to be judged.” 

Democrat TikTok influencer Harry Sisson noted that the couple “made a decision that was best for” them, and “that’s the only decision that matters in this scenario.” 

However, Ridgway received an overwhelming amount of pushback from organizations and everyday Americans. 

Live Action replied, “Your child deserved so much more. Disabled children are just as valuable as able-bodied children. Killing children because of a diagnosis isn’t just ableism. It’s evil.” 

Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, called the decision “sad and dark, and, yes, evil,” and said that she prays he finds Jesus. 

Federalist co-founder Sean Davis was more blunt. “You didn’t ‘terminate a pregnancy.’ You murdered your own baby.” 

Others compared this act of eugenics to that of Nazi Germany: “Holy crap, you killed your kid for having Down syndrome?! What is this, 1930’s Germany?!” 

The Parents Speak 

Most heart-wrenching was the multitude of personal responses of parents with children who have Down syndrome. A mother responded: 

“Big mistake! Our sweet girl had a heart condition and surgery, but she’s 100% healthy now. She has hearing loss, wears glasses, has potty training issues, and takes a little longer to learn some things. BUT she has made our whole family’s life a million times better just for existing!” 

Tom Sileo, author of the best-seller “Three Wise Men,” shared a photo of himself and daughter Natalie at a Washington Nationals game.

“Very proud of our 6-year-old daughter Natalie, who has Trisomy 21, a.k.a. Down syndrome,” he said. “Is it sometimes tough raising a child with special needs? Of course, but the world is a kinder, gentler & happier place because of people like Nat. We love her!” 

Rick Santorum, chairman of Patriot Voices and former senator, shared a heartfelt message about his experience: 

“Our 8th child has Trisomy 18. The prognosis we were given was even more devastating. Thankfully I had learned that a father’s job is to love protect and provide while shepherding her to heaven…”  

“You were convinced not to love your child enough to even be born. I grieve for you and your wife because you bought the lies of a society that places yourself above others, even your own children. I grieve you saw your child through a utilitarian lens as a list imperfections, not as a gift” 

Another mother responded with a picture and said: 

“My baby with Down syndrome is absolutely a blessing. I’m sorry you were misinformed.” 

Even a grandmother responded: 

“My 2 year old granddaughter has Down syndrome and we love her dearly and couldn’t imagine life without her smiling face! Sad you will never experience this.” 

A Bright Hope 

Help is out there for parents who face the same challenge faced by the Ridgway’s.

For example, Be Not Afraid is a nonprofit organization that trains faith-based and pro-life organizations to support parents who face a “life-limiting” diagnosis for their unborn baby. They help prepare professionals to support parents to avoid the “sad and dark” fate of abortion by offering a joyful and bright solution: life.