Up First from NPR The Girls Who Were Sent Away
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Apr 20, 2025 
Grady Hendrix, an acclaimed horror writer known for his thought-provoking novels, dives deep into the chilling world of maternity homes before Roe v. Wade. He discusses how the oppressive environment of these homes shaped young girls' lives, revealing their struggles and eventual empowerment through witchcraft. The conversation also tackles the societal stigma around unwed motherhood and the haunting narratives that surround their choices. Hendrix connects these historical truths to modern issues, proving that horror can be a powerful form of social commentary.
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Life in Maternity Homes
- Neva, a 15-year-old pregnant girl, is taken to a maternity home in Florida to give birth in secret.
- She must live under a false identity and give up her baby for adoption without telling anyone.
Varied Conditions in Maternity Homes
- Maternity homes varied widely in treatment, from proper care to prison-like conditions.
- Common traits were strict control, secrecy, and keeping girls ignorant about their births.
Witchcraft as Liberation
- Girls in maternity homes received a spellbook from a mysterious librarian, teaching them real witchcraft.
- This provided them power and control over their powerless lives, sparking dangerous consequences.
