American Scandal The Woman Who Sold Babies | Sitting on a Goldmine | 3
8 snips
Jun 3, 2025 Explore the chilling tale of Georgia Tann, who turned illegal adoptions into a booming business while neglecting child welfare. The stark contrast between the affluent lives of adoptive families and the dark reality of trafficked children reveals deep ethical issues in the adoption process. Hear the harrowing account of Mary Lee Calhoun, a mother tragically caught in Tann's web. Delve into Dr. Ella Oppenheimer's investigation of rising infant mortality rates, shedding light on a grim aspect of Memphis during the Great Depression.
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Mother Unknowingly Surrenders Children
- Mary Lee Calhoun signed legal papers unknowingly surrendering custody of her four children to the Tennessee Children's Home Society.
- Georgia Tan sold three of Calhoun's sons for profit, with one subjected to abuse on a farm in Arkansas.
High Infant Mortality in Memphis
- Memphis infant mortality rate was over 100 per 1,000 live births, double the national average.
- This alarming statistic triggered concern from city officials and the U.S. Children's Bureau.
Tan Denies Infant Deaths
- Dr. Ella Oppenheimer confronted Georgia Tan about infant deaths during an investigation.
- Tan falsely claimed no children under TCHS had died, despite the epidemic worsening.
