Every life is a gift

Earlier this year, YouTuber Jesse Ridgway and his wife, Ashley, became the center of public discourse after announcing and documenting their pregnancy on an online video-sharing platform. Months later, the couple shared that they had aborted their baby following a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS), a genetic condition that causes learning delays and unique physical traits. Their decision sparked immediate and intense reaction from all sides, but the controversy exposed much deeper questions: Does a diagnosis change the value of life? Who determines a person’s worth?
While millions debated these questions from behind screens, another young couple was quietly walking through their own prenatal DS diagnosis and the uncertainties surrounding it. However, because of their faith and the power of encouragement, their decision and outcome were drastically different.

Creating a family
As newlyweds, Austin and Anna Marie King sensed the Lord calling them to adoption in some capacity. Having a bachelor’s degree in family science and a job at a transitional home for foster children, it became clear to Anna Marie that they were to begin their family through foster care.
For five months, they fostered a sibling pair and fell deeply in love with them. Yet when the 6-year-old brother and 7-year-old sister were unexpectedly removed from their home, the loss was devastating.
Not long afterward, the Kings learned of a lively little boy named Teddy who needed a new foster home. The couple welcomed him with open arms.
“As we began fostering Teddy, I learned very quickly to love him fiercely, but loosely. Navigating the fear of loving him but also losing him was very difficult,” Anna Marie said.
Two-year-old Teddy easily transitioned into their home, captivated their hearts, and eventually became their forever son through adoption. However, three months after Teddy arrived in their home, the Kings found out they were expecting their first biological child.

Receiving unexpected news
“Initially, everything about the pregnancy was normal,” Anna Marie said.
Given the option to do genetic testing at 10 weeks, the couple declined. At the 20-week anatomy scan, the Kings were ecstatic to see the first glimpse of their son. The baby appeared to be healthy and growing, but because of his position, the sonographer was unable to see a clear image of his heart. They were asked to return in four weeks.
At the 24-week appointment, their son was still positioned in a way that prevented a complete examination of his heart, so they were referred to a maternal fetal medicine specialist.
“When we finally saw the specialist and she scanned his heart, she said, ‘His heart is wonderful!’ … We were instantly relieved,” Anna Marie recalled.
Since they were in the office, the specialist ordered another full anatomy scan, which revealed a soft marker for DS.
“The doctor explained the risks involved with DS and suggested an amniocentesis, but we declined. We decided to leave it in the Lord’s hands.
“Again, we were learning to love this child fiercely, but loosely,” she added.

Responding to a diagnosis
As the weight of the doctor’s words settled on Anna Marie’s mind, she began to battle the fear of all the unknowns. Fear gave way to anger, and anger turned into bitterness.
“I had this perfect picture in my head of what our lives with two little boys would look like and all the things they would be able to do together,” she said. “Then, in one appointment, everything came crashing down. I felt like this DS diagnosis stole something precious from me.”
Looking back, Anna Marie understands why so many parents struggle after receiving a prenatal diagnosis.
“I can’t fault Ashley Ridgway for being terrified,” she admitted. “The possibilities of birth defects and lifetime challenges feel overwhelming. It’s all such a hard mental game. I kept questioning how a healthy 26-year-old could have a DS baby and most of all [kept asking], ‘Why us?’”
But the Kings’ faith in Christ and their biblical understanding of the sanctity of life helped them process all their fears and questions.

Choosing faith over fear
“Thankfully, our doctors and specialist were [also] believers, so abortion was never [offered or even considered as] an option. I’m also blessed that every time I felt consumed by emotion, Austin faithfully pointed me back to truth. From the moment we learned of our son, he [Austin] was determined to protect him.”
The greatest turning point for Anna Marie came when she connected with the mother of a young son with DS.
“I’ll never forget her saying, ‘I’m not going to sugarcoat it. You are about to embark on one of the hardest but most beautiful journeys you’ve ever been on. Congratulations!’”
Hearing someone celebrate her baby’s life changed everything, and the excitement finally began to set in. For Austin, peace came two days after the diagnosis.
“It was World Down Syndrome Day [March 21], a day I had never stopped to celebrate,” he said, “and on that very day the Lord comforted me and gave me peace only He can give.”

Meeting Charlie
On a beautiful, sunny day in June, Charlie King made his arrival.
“The moment I laid eyes on Charlie, the DS was undeniable,” Anna Marie reflected. “But ironically, we felt relieved and joyful. … He was … a beautiful image of our heavenly Father.”
Today, Charlie is full of life and expressions. His favorite person in the whole world is his brother, and Teddy is his greatest encourager.
“The specialist was right. His heart is wonderful, and we would not change a thing,” said Anna Marie. “He is so cherished, and God has great plans for his life.”
She added, “The most important lesson I have learned is that the children who have been placed in my care – the foster babies, Teddy, and now Charlie – none of them were ever mine to begin with. They belong to God, and I am honored that He chose me to steward their lives to the best of my ability – whether it was for five months or for a lifetime.
“When I look at Charlie,” Anna Marie continued, “I feel blessed that the Lord entrusted me with [him]. We don’t take that lightly, and in no way do we feel robbed because of DS. Every day we are given and every milestone he conquers is a gift. We could not be prouder of our Charlie.”