Harrogate mum’s concern as Emmerdale runs Down’s syndrome storyline

Leanne Peacock, whose five-month-old son Theo has the condition, believes the soap is wrong to focus on such a negative outcome and fears it could have lasting and damaging consequences.

More than 24,000 people have signed a petition calling for the episodes to be scrapped, but Emmerdale bosses insist every care has been taken in producing the storyline, and that it will begin screening on ITV this week.

The plot centres around characters Laurel Thomas, played by Charlotte Bellamy, and Jai Sharma, played by Chris Bisson, who are told at an early pregnancy scan that their baby has a chromosomal condition.

After tests confirm the baby will have Down’s syndrome, the couple decide to terminate the pregnancy in a harrowing storyline which is due to run throughout December and into the new year.

Emmerdale says it has collaborated with charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) in an effort to get the tone right, but there remains serious opposition from campaign groups, including Positive About Down Syndrome, of which Leanne is a member.

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She told the Harrogate Advertiser: “I have lived through this series of events just last year when my unborn son was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, probably at the very same fetal medicine unit the fictional couple would attend as the soap is so local to us.

“We knew a diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome wouldn’t affect our decision to keep our much-wanted baby, having decided against screening in all three pregnancies prior, however during our dating scan an anomaly was suspected and we were told there was a high chance of a chromosomal condition.”

Leanne says the decision on how to proceed after receiving this news is a very difficult one for many people, but she feels by showing the route toward termination, Emmerdale could influence those who are struggling with it.

After receiving the diagnosis, Leanne says the medical professionals were extremely positive and helpful, signposting her to Positive About Down Syndrome and the Down Syndrome Association, as well as a number of local support groups.

However, she believes the way this storyline is set to be handled will be too negative and will lead some adults with Down’s syndrome to question their own self-worth.

She said: “When the news of the storyline was first shared in our support forum, we were all quite taken aback by it and many of us were hurt by the route Emmerdale had chosen.

“October was Down’s syndrome awareness month, so it was quite a shock to see this emerging so soon after, especially after we had been fighting so hard to be heard and for people with Down’s syndrome to have equality. It was a bit of a kick in the teeth to be honest.

“People with Down’s syndrome are active members of society and deserve to have their stories portrayed more respectfully and I believe this will just play into the stigma that their lives are worth less than others.”

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Leanne accepts there is nothing that can now stop the episodes from being aired, and just hopes that Emmerdale will live up to their promise and handle the subject with sensitivity.

She added: “I wish they had listened to what we had to say in the first place but if they are going ahead anyway then I think they need to move forwards and make sure it is as well-handled as possible because I don’t believe this is entertainment.

“We are out here fighting for equal rights, fighting for our children to be represented accurately and fairly as there are so many myths and outdated facts and I just don’t see how this can help.

“This is nothing against people who make that very difficult decision and they are entitled to their choice but I don’t think this is the right way to show that.”

An Emmerdale statement said ‘much consideration and extensive research’ had gone into creating and producing what was a ‘heart-breaking’ storyline.

“Viewers who watch Emmerdale will know Rhona and Marlon have a much loved son, Leo,” it said. “Leo has Down’s syndrome and for the last nine years he’s been on screen portraying a happy, fun-loving boy who is very much wanted and cared for by his parents and family.

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“After much consideration and extensive research, Emmerdale decided to tell the story of Laurel and Jai and their choice to terminate their pregnancy.

“The full context of Laurel and Jai’s story will be portrayed in detail in forthcoming episodes, because understandably the couple only reach this heart-breaking decision after much soul-searching. Emmerdale felt the story of thousands of couples who make this choice every year, feeling unable to talk about it, needed to be told.

“We take our responsibilities extremely seriously when portraying such sensitive issues. Before the filming of Laurel and Jai’s story, the programme consulted widely with many individuals and organisations.

“These included parents with children who have Down’s syndrome, medical professionals involved in this field and groups such as Antenatal Results and Choices.

“We were careful to ensure our scripts were accurate to the process involved for parents facing such an agonising decision and representative of the variety of views and opinions about this subject.”

Jane Fisher, Director of Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) added: “We have over 30 years’ experience of supporting women and their partners through the painful circumstances of ending a wanted pregnancy after a prenatal diagnosis. Thousands of parents go through this every year, but it is rarely spoken about.

“This can lead to bereaved parents feeling very isolated in their grief. We are really pleased that such a popular drama as Emmerdale is tackling this story in such an empathetic and thoughtful way.

“It won’t make for easy viewing but will do much to break the silence around this sensitive topic.”

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The people to contact if you need support regarding Down’s syndrome...

There are a number of charities and organisations offering support and information.

Shine 21: A charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with Down’s Syndrome in North Yorkshire and offers support to families with young children. Email to [email protected] or visit its Facebook page.

The Down’s Syndrome Association: Offers a range of services including a helpline. It can be contacted on 0333 1212 300 or email to [email protected]

Positive About Down Syndrome: A community-led campaign group run by parents of children with Down’s syndrome. It offers advice and support. Get in touch on email at [email protected] or call on 07814 929306.

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC): A national charity helping parents and healthcare professionals through antenatal screening and its consequences. It offers non-directive individualised information and support to parents who are making decisions around antenatal testing and provides them with long-term support.

The team can be contacted on 0207 713 7486 or on email at [email protected]