Apple News In Conversation She wanted to be a mother. She was forced to put her son up for adoption.
Jul 31, 2025
T.J. Raphael, a journalist known for her investigations into maternity homes, dives into the dark realities of these facilities in the post-Roe climate. She shares the story of Abbi Johnson, who faced immense pressure to give her child up for adoption. Raphael reveals the emotional burdens young mothers endure and the manipulative nature of maternity homes, often rooted in restrictive ideologies. The discussion also addresses adoption complexities and the socio-economic factors that influence these critical decisions, highlighting a pervasive illusion of choice.
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Abby's Coerced Adoption Experience
- Abby Johnson, a pregnant teenager from an evangelical Christian home, was coerced into placing her son for adoption at a maternity home.
- The home isolated her and pressured her through religious manipulation, showing the harsh realities faced by young pregnant women in such environments.
Liberty Godparent Home's Origins
- Liberty Godparent Home was founded by Jerry Falwell to show adoption as an alternative to abortion, promoting a conservative Christian ideology.
- The home promised scholarships mostly to girls who placed their babies for adoption, influencing decisions through financial leverage.
Isolation and Helplessness at Maternity Home
- Abby experienced intense isolation and could barely communicate outside the maternity home.
- Pregnant women there were discouraged from expressing their desire to parent and felt helpless due to lack of resources and support.