American Scandal

The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Judge's Daughter | 1

18 snips
May 20, 2025
In the early 20th century, Georgia Tann emerges as a seemingly benevolent figure in adoption. However, her dark side reveals a shocking involvement in illegal baby trafficking. From duplicitous methods to manipulating the legal system, she builds a lucrative adoption scheme. The podcast unearths the devastating effects of her actions on countless families, challenging the notion of her as an advocate. It paints a haunting picture of ambition clashing with morality, leaving a chilling legacy in American adoption history.
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INSIGHT

Deceptive Facade of Advocacy

  • Georgia Tan masked her exploitation behind a respected advocacy for adoption and built a vast network aiding her illegal activities.
  • This hidden abuse destroyed families while reshaping adoption as a profitable enterprise.
ANECDOTE

Early Rescue Sparks Ambition

  • In 1915, Georgia Tan and her father discovered a neglected infant in a filthy cabin and rescued the baby together.
  • This event sparked Georgia's ambition to transform children's lives beyond traditional paths.
INSIGHT

Early Adoption Stigma and Reality

  • Adoption in early 20th century America was stigmatized and uncommon, leading to institutionalized care for most children instead.
  • Tan’s early efforts showed belief in family placements improving children's futures, challenging prevailing social norms.
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