Emmerdale abortion storyline branded as 'insulting and offensive' by Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Emmerdale viewers will watch characters Laurel Thomas, played by Charlotte Bellamy, and her on-screen partner Jai Sharma, played by Chris Bisson, learn that their unborn baby has Down syndrome before deciding to terminate the pregnancy, and their journey after the termination during the series airing over the next couple of months.

But the topic has led more than 22,000 people to sign a petition for the ‘insulting and offensive’ story line to be binned.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome and can cause learning difficulties.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (PDSA) has written a complaint to ITV about the programme.

In a letter to ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall, PSDA chair Rachael Ross said: ‘This [story line] creates the negative and offensive narrative that individuals with Down syndrome don’t have a right to life and are not viewed as equals in our society because of the incorrect assumption that they are unable to live full and productive lives, and that they suffer from their condition and will be a burden to all society.

‘This is incredibly insulting and offensive to the Down syndrome community and their families across the UK.’

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said that people will have ‘strong views’ about the episodes.

She said: ‘I’m well aware it’s a hugely emotive subject but I do honestly think that once everyone has watched the episodes play out, they are going to come away with a huge sympathy for what an impossibly difficult choice these couples face.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association joins campaign to ban Amazon traders selling T-shirts promoting Down syndrome hate speech

‘What you will see from Jai and Laurel’s story is how that decision will go on to affect their lives for years to come.’

She said the story is not about ‘right or wrong’ but instead is about ‘people taking really, really difficult decisions and that they should be allowed to do that without living in fear of being judged or shamed’.

But Rachael, whose son Max, 17, has Down Syndrome, told The News: ‘Our community faces prejudice and discrimination on a daily basis. ITV has refused to acknowledge the damage they have already done or change any element of the plot to assure that people with Down syndrome are not harmed by this.

‘Hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome will be watching this programme at home with their families. It will not be sending them the message that they are valued and productive members of their community and that their lives matter.

‘It is an incredibly insensitive subject being rolled out under the banner of family of family entertainment.’

To view the petition visit change.org/p/itv-bin-emmerdale-s-prejudiced-storyline-about-down-s-syndrome

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