Should I have children? Ellie Simmonds on genetic disability diagnoses

What beliefs, hopes, worries, and questions would you have if your unborn baby was given a diagnosis of a disability? It’s something retired paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds has spent a lot of time considering.

In this chat with Fearne, Ellie explains what she’s learnt from talking to both her parents and her birth mum about their experience of her dwarfism, as well as debating the pros and cons of modern genetic testing.

They also chat about Ellie’s decision to retire from swimming: how will you know when it’s time to call something quits, and how can you then cultivate new passions? Plus, how to untangle self-worth and self-esteem from achievements...

Ellie Simmonds: Should I Have Children? will be available to watch on ITV from the 27th of May.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about baby loss and abortion, so do take care while listening.

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