The Documentary Podcast

People Fixing the World: Helping Chile's stolen children

May 22, 2025
Jane Chambers, a dedicated reporter in Chile, shares the heartbreaking legacy of baby theft under Pinochet's regime. She highlights the crucial work of Nos Buscamos, an NGO assisting many reunited with their birth families through innovative DNA testing. Chambers shares powerful personal stories of mothers and children reconnecting after decades of separation, illustrating the emotional turmoil and enduring trauma stemming from these illegal adoptions. The podcast sheds light on the fight for justice and the enduring need for community support and awareness.
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INSIGHT

Chile's Forced Adoption Scandal

  • During the 1970s-80s authoritarian rule in Chile, thousands of babies were illegally kidnapped and trafficked.
  • The regime encouraged overseas adoptions as a way to reduce poverty, creating a widespread forced adoption scheme.
ANECDOTE

Jimmy Uncovers His Stolen Past

  • Jimmy discovered inconsistencies and fraud in his adoption paperwork revealing he was a stolen baby.
  • He reached out to Nos Buscamos, who identified notorious traffickers linked to his case.
INSIGHT

Listening to Birth Mothers

  • Nos Buscamos operates from modest offices and volunteers dedicate personal space to help reunite families.
  • They emphasize listening to birth mothers whose voices were ignored for decades by institutions.
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