Emmerdale's down syndrome storyline

 I don't normally write about the bad but so much has happened. 

In a short space of time I felt I needed to write something. 

I always try to share the voices of disabled talent to anyone who will listen/read and make a point of speaking and writing about artists and production companies I feel deserve it. 

In saying that sharing voices of those also speaking out about the  bad.

One of Emmerdale's most recent storylines features Laurel Thomas and Jai Sharmar who plan to abort their baby. 

After discovering they will likely be born with down's syndrome. 

I follow many disability advocates including Rachel Mewes who's daughter Betsy, now three.

Is a happy, lively, dancer who loves nature and  animals,who just happens to have downs syndrome. 

At just 7 months pregnant and  having stated she "didn't want to talk about termination" Rachel recalls being forced to consider it. 

Told she would be having "a child for life" and other "derogatory lies." And now has PTSD as a result 

Since covid theirs has been a massive increase in disability hate crime and ableism throughout the media. 

There are so many ways this storyline could play out in a positive way for example they think of abortion then doctors advise them to go and meet others with down syndrome and their families so they decided against it. 

If they wanted to highlight abortion they could of done it without attaching a condition. Going about it from a completely different angle. 

There are many charities promoting achievements of the down syndrome community,Including positive about DS who highlight the many achievements of the DS community. 

You're not disposable if you have a disability, there's no doubt life is harder, but there's help out there and I don't know any disabled person who hasn't brought light into the world. 

Including Betsy who as her mum says "has a positive impact on all around her" and is "surrounded by an amazing team who work with her to help her achieve." Rachel also added that she's " always struggled" with her mental health" , Betsy has brought her "peace and happiness." 

If you are interested in finding out more,reading the open letter written by those with down syndrome to Emmerdale's production team, which has so far been ignored. 

Or helping towards this cause Rachel has set up a petition to call upon emmerdale to edit  or remove this harmful storyline. 

Please sign and share