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EastEnders' Whitney decides to terminate pregnancy

Justin Harp
·2-min read

The following article continues discussion of baby loss that may be distressing to some readers.

EastEnders spoilers follow.

Whitney Dean has made a difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy in EastEnders.

An issue-based story has seen expectant parents Whitney and Zack receive the news that their child would have Edwards’ Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality that puts a child at higher risk for seizures or hearing loss if they survive birth.

The couple received the devastating diagnosis in Monday's (February 27) double bill, where a scan indicated that their child could face a lifetime of health problems if they even survived.

Related: EastEnders star Shona McGarty speaks out on Whitney's devastating baby story

"It is very serious," their doctor explained. "I'm so sorry. Sadly, it's likely your baby will die before or shortly after birth."

Zack at first demanded a second opinion, yet Whitney had a heartbreaking realisation since the doctor explained that there's no cure for Edwards' Syndrome.

"The baby's going to die," she said. "It could be now, it could be a couple of days. You can't tell me you could watch that… All I've got is what I feel, for her, in my gut.

"I want this baby, so much. I want to hold her and I want to meet her. I want to watch her grow up. But it ain't about us anymore. You don't have to agree, but I'm her mum. I can't risk having her be in pain or suffer.

"I'm going to have the termination."

eastenders, whitney, zack
BBC

In the second episode, Zack continued to struggle with Whitney's decision to terminate the pregnancy and, at first, opted not to join her for the procedure.

However, some words from Sharon Watts finally woke him up and he rushed to be by Whitney's side in her moment of need.

Before the procedure took place, Whitney had to rethink her decision when she felt the baby kick. Yet, with Zack's full support this time, she once again decided to go through with the procedure.

eastenders, whitney, zack
BBC

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Readers affected by this story may visit SOFT UK and Antenatal Results and Choices for further information and support.

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