Years and Years' Ruth Madeley burst into tears after the Government rejected claims that the law discriminates against disabled people in new Channel 4 documentary, Disability and Abortion: The Hardest Choice. In the documentary film, the actress, who herself was born with spina bifida, and actor and swimmer Ruben Reuter (who has Downs Syndrome) explore the complex relationship between abortion and disability.
British law states that unborn babies diagnosed as being at risk of severe impairments or health conditions can be terminated up until full term. In 2021 - after disability campaigners lost a landmark court case that asked for the law to be changed on the grounds it discriminates against disabled people, Ruth breaks down in tears. She says: "This doesn't feel right. Not all disabilities are a death sentence."
With that, Ruth and Ruben are determined to meet people who can help them understand why the courts have taken their decision. "Are we wrong?" asks Ruth, as she sets out to learn more.
