Scots parents have blasted a controversial TV soap storyline where a couple terminate their pregnancy because the baby has Down's syndrome.

Emmerdale has come under fire over the divisive storyline which sees Laurel Thomas and Jai Sharma deciding to abort their unborn baby after tests show it has the condition.

Scenes are due to be aired this winter, however ITV bosses at the hit show have been blasted 'ignorant' over the decision by Scots parents who say they have been 'upset' by it.

Sharen Thomson with son Alex, 4, who has Down's syndrome, Kyle, 6, and husband Phil

Grangetown mum Sharen Thomson's six-year-old son Alex has the condition and she says she is 'disappointed ' that the popular show is going ahead with the 'negative' storyline.

She said: "It's bad enough that health care professionals present Down's syndrome so negatively without it being done the same way on television. It's an ignorant and outdated view.

"It's disappointing that this is the way they have decided to portray what it's like finding out your unborn baby has Down's syndrome.

Sharen Thomson with son Alex, 4, who has Down's syndrome and Kyle,6

"There will be adults with Down's syndrome watching that show feeling very hurt and upset and perhaps wondering if they should have been terminated. It's very sad, especially because, for me, Down's syndrome is not a negative thing. There are so many positives and Alex is our wonderful little boy."

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Stacey Corrigan, from Paisley, has a six-year-old son Daniel who has the condition says the storyline is 'devastating'.

She said: "It's a very poorly thought out storyline and could be devastating for a family with a new diagnosis or many of adults who are fans of the show.

Daniel with mum Stacey and dad, Colin.

"To see that Emmerdale have chosen to do this just after we have spent a month campaigning for Down's syndrome awareness, is devastating but shows why more than ever we need more information and support for new parents.

"Daniel has a happy and valued life, he doesn't suffer from Down's Syndrome. Far from it he thrives and is very loved. "

Prestwick dad-of-three Jamie McCallum has a seven-yer-old daughter Rosie who has Down's syndrome.

Jamie, who is also chairman of the Wouldn't Change a Thing Down's syndrome campaign, says more needs to be done to ensure all expectant parents need to have all the information about the condtion.

Rosie McCallum

He said: "I would like to think Emmerdale has done all the proper research in to this and it's fair to say that termination is a reality for some people. While we are not here to judge people on what decision they make, because those decisions are not easy and people have all kinds of reasons, what we do know is that when they are making them, they are given all the medical information, which by its very nature is negative.

Rosie McCallum

"We just want people to know that life with a Down's syndrome child is like life with any child, it's filled with love and laughter and all the things that come from being a parent.

"I don't want soaps but I hope if this is the way the storyline is going to play out that it is done so sensitively."

Rosie McCallum

The ITV soap has been heavily criticised on twitter over the storyline and a petition to stop the winter storyline going ahead has even been launched, and has gathered almost 5,000 signatures so far.

Posting on twitter one mum said: "Absolutely disgusted @emmerdale I am a mummy of a wonderful little boy who has Down syndrome. What an insensitive and hurtful story to all of the down syndrome community."

Another said: "I am disgusted by this storyline especially at a time where many many people are trying to spread positivity about Down Syndrome. They had such an opportunity!"

"The entertainment industry had a chance to spread a positive message about Down Syndrome. Instead it decided to propagate fear. Please consult the DS community, don’t try to damage it," added another.

UK actress Bethany Asher, who has Down's syndrome said: "you have no idea how hurt I feel about this. I spoke to mum about it. As an actress with Downs syndrome I need this to change @Emmerdale. I'd love to see a positive story so people like me feel valued and respected."

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

"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."