Portsmouth South MP backs fight against Emmerdale's controversial Down syndrome abortion storyline

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South has hit out at ITV in a letter to their chief executive, Carolynn McCall, after receiving complaints from his constituents and from members of the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association about the show’s latest storyline.

Onscreen couple Laurel Thomas and Jai Sharma are set to learn their unborn baby has Down syndrome before deciding to terminate the pregnancy.

In his letter Mr Morgan called for ITV to intervene and drop the storyline.

He wrote: ‘This creates a negative and offensive narrative that individuals with Down syndrome do not 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.

‘On behalf of my constituents, I urge you to intervene so the show drops this damaging storyline which is causing much hurt and anguish to thousands of families across the UK.’

Rachael Ross MBE, chair of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, said: ‘Many of our families and young adults are particularly distressed, and some groups are receiving ‘hate’ communications which shows the level of ignorance and misinformation surrounding Down syndrome.

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

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

More than 23,000 people have signed a petition asking ITV to bin the storyline and hundreds have protested on social media under #hearourvoice.

Producer Laura Shaw responded to the controversy and insisted the storyline was thoroughly researched and they sought advice from charity Antenatal Results and Choices.

Charity director Jane Fisher added: ‘I think it’s really important that people can speak about it, it’s not that they must because for many people this is a very personal and painful and private experience and that’s fine.’

‘I think at the moment we are in a situation where many people feel very reticent to talk about what’s happened to them.’

The episodes are due to air on ITV over the winter.

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