Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds confronts a deeply personal question in her new ITV1 documentary, “Ellie Simmonds: Should I Have Children?” Airing this Tuesday, the film follows Ellie as she explores the complex landscape of disability and parenthood.
Thirty years have passed since Ellie’s birth, and in that time, societal attitudes towards disability have shifted significantly. Ellie examines these changes, reflecting on her own experiences and the perceptions she faced growing up. She also confronts the implications of achondroplasia, her genetic condition, considering how it might affect her future children. The documentary takes a poignant turn as Ellie meets expectant parents who have received a prenatal diagnosis of disability for their child. She seeks to understand how these parents process the news, cope with societal expectations, and find the necessary support.
“Ellie Simmonds: Should I Have Children?” isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a reflection on broader societal questions about inclusion, acceptance, and the changing definition of family. Tune in to ITV1 on Tuesday, May 27th at 9:00 PM GMT for this honest and thought-provoking exploration.
