Note: This article contains discussion of abortion which some readers may find upsetting.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale aired emotional scenes tonight (December 14) as Laurel Thomas told her family about her heartbreaking decision to abort her pregnancy.
During last week's scenes, Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) and her partner Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) learned that their unborn baby had been diagnosed with Down's Syndrome.
Related: Emmerdale's Rhona Goskirk regrets row with Laurel Thomas in new scenes
Overwhelmed by the possibilities the future might bring, and also concerned for the wellbeing of her unborn child, Laurel broke down and told Jai: "I can't have this baby."
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After discussing their options in-depth, the couple reluctantly came to the decision to terminate the pregnancy.
In tonight's scenes (December 14), that decision still weighed heavily on Laurel as she confided in her family about the decision that she and Jai had reached.
Arthur was particularly upset by the news and angrily began to question why they were giving up on the pregnancy just because the baby has Down's Syndrome.
Laurel and Jai tried to explain that there could be further complications with the birth and that they felt they wouldn't be able to cope as parents, but Arthur remained unconvinced.
Misunderstanding Laurel and Jai, Arthur then asked if they were planning to abort the pregnancy because they were worried the child might turn out to be "difficult" like him. This was definitely not the case.
Reflecting back on his troubling behaviour over the past year, Arthur promised to change if it would stop them having an abortion.
After an upset Arthur ended up storming upstairs, Laurel lashed out at Jai for convincing her to tell her kids the truth about the situation. Will their relationship take a significant knock as a result?
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.
Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby. You can contact the Sands National Helpline on 0808 164 3332, or email helpline@sands.org.uk.
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