A MUM to a little boy with Down syndrome is calling on Emmerdale to scrap its upcoming storyline about a couple who abort their baby because of the condition.

Jackie Homer, from Westbrook, is just one of the thousands of people outraged at how the soap opera's storyline appears to present Down syndrome as something to be ashamed of.

Jackie said she struggled with her emotions since first hearing about the plot, spending time researching the arguments for and against, watching interviews, reading articles and even hearing other parents and carers' views.

Ultimately, she said she is scared of how the soap opera may influence people who know nothing about the condition to think negatively about it.

Speaking about her experience bringing up her own son Oliver, three, Jackie said: "My little warrior has faced so much in his three years and has fought everything that has been thrown at him.

"He is the bravest boy I know, but I fear this storyline may tip the scales against my boy and all the wonderful people who have that extra chromosome.

"I have fought for what's needed for my son since he was born, and will continue to do so unconditionally for as long as I have breath in me - he deserves life as much as anyone else in this world.

"I am afraid that airing this storyline will be so harmful to his future and the future of the Down syndrome community, making people believe terminations when children have Down syndrome are justified because there is no hope of a 'normal' life.

"There needs to be more education about how Down syndrome is not something to be sorry for, but to be celebrated.

"Yes, our journey with Oliver is not what we expected, but it is just wonderful.

"He brings us and everyone he meets so much joy and laughter, so much love and happiness.

"Down syndrome is not a death sentence or a 'shame', it is strength, happiness and unconditional love."

Jackie stressed that while she does not judge anyone who chooses to terminate their pregnancy for personal reasons, Down syndrome does not have to mean termination.

"These babies will grow up having every opportunity as regular kids do, they just take that little bit longer to get there," she explained.

"I only see this storyline damaging my son's future, having to grow up justifying his own existence because he is not exactly like everyone else.

Warrington Guardian: 'Little warrior' Oliver'Little warrior' Oliver

"Emmerdale, as a massive primetime soap, has a responsibility to represent all walks of life.

"This storyline does not - it says it's OK to terminate because the baby doesn't fulfill expectations of what people think is 'normal'.

"The parents of this baby are overjoyed to be having a child, but when Down syndrome is confirmed, they decide to terminate.

"This is not responsible broadcasting - it is potentially damaging and irresponsible.

"I am begging Emmerdale to change the story.

"Education is key and what better a platform than a popular soap?

"It could help our community by spreading positivity, but instead it is choosing to potentially convince a whole new generation to fear what they don't understand.

"I will never stop fighting for my son, I will be his voice, I will try to help change the stigma surrounding Down syndrome."

A spokesperson for ITV said: "Viewers who watch Emmerdale will know Rhona and Marlon have a much loved son, Leo.

"Leo has Down 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.

"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.

"Emmerdale made the conscious editorial decision to portray this storyline to reflect what happens to thousands of couples throughout the UK who make the painful decision each year to terminate their pregnancy after a prenatal diagnosis.

"And 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 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 difficult subject."

Meanwhile, the Down Syndrome Association said they had no involvement in the development of the Emmerdale storyline and do not welcome it.

Jackie also added that ITV have not contacted the Wouldn't Change a Thing charity or Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS).

More than 25,000 people have signed a petition, and charities and MPs have written to ITV, calling for the plotline, airing this winter, to be scrapped.

The petition can be viewed at change.org/p/itv-bin-emmerdale-s-prejudiced-storyline-about-down-s-syndrome.