Fr. Shenan J. Boquet: The New Eugenics and the Disappearance of Down Syndrome

By Fr. Shenan J. Boquet, Human Life International, June 15, 2026

As president of Human Life International, Fr. Boquet is a leading expert on the international pro-life and family movement, having journeyed to nearly 90 countries on pro-life missions over the last decade. Father Boquet works with pro-life and family leaders in 116 counties that partner with HLI to proclaim and advance the Gospel of Life. Read his full bio here.

A few weeks ago, YouTube “influencers” Jesse Ridgway and his wife Ashley announced to their four million subscribers that they were expecting their first child, due in the fall. They filmed a gender reveal. They posted ultrasound photos. In an earlier video, Jesse had told his audience that he was ready for whatever came. “I signed on to be a parent, come what may,” he said.

Then the prenatal screening came back with markers for Trisomy 21, i.e. Down syndrome. An amniocentesis confirmed the diagnosis. Jesse filmed that moment, too. As Ashley cried, he looked into the camera and told his followers they had discussed “terminating the pregnancy.”

So much for “come what may.” …