SPUC has congratulated pro-life and disability rights activist Heidi Crowter, on her recent marriage to James Carter. Antonia Tully, SPUC Director of Campaigns said: “SPUC sends heartfelt congratulations to Heidi and James on their recent marriage and wishes them many years of happiness.”

Heidi, now Mrs Carter, says that the UK’s abortion law makes her feel as though she “shouldn’t exist”. Heidi and James, both have Down’s syndrome. They exchanged their vows during a socially distanced ceremony on July 4 after three months of separation due to the Coronavirus lockdown.

35,000 people have since watched the couple’s wedding ceremony online, which bride Heidi described as “the greatest day of my life.”

Heidi said: “When I walked into the church, I was so emotional and excited. I nearly started crying because James looked so handsome in his suit. I had dreamed of that moment since I was born.”

SPUC’s Antonia Tully added: “Living with and caring for someone with Down’s syndrome can be challenging. However, many people with Down’s syndrome are capable of maintaining a job, forming relationships and achieve the goals which give life satisfaction and happiness. SPUC wishes Heidi and James every happiness in their life together.”

Disability rights and Heidi’s pro-life activism

Bride Heidi is known for her bravery in speaking out in support of disability rights and pro-life issues.

Throughout the past year, Heidi has been outspoken regarding the elimination of people with Down’s syndrome through abortion.

In June, Heidi delivered an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson which was signed by over 18,000 people. The letter condemned the discriminatory abortion law being forced onto Northern Ireland by Westminster and urged the Prime minister to allow the Northern Ireland Assembly to control their own abortion law. Currently in the UK, abortion takes place for any reason until the 24th week of pregnancy and is legal until birth if the unborn child is suspected of having a foetal anomaly.

Heidi campaigns with the group “Don’t screen us out”, which reported that in 2019 there were “656 abortions where a baby had Down’s syndrome”.

Heidi has said that the UK’s abortion law makes her feel “rejected by society and looked down on”.

Antonia Tully said: “The new Mr and Mrs Carter show us all that an extra chromosome does not make people any less human. SPUC’s message is that every single unborn baby should be protected by law from abortion.”