If you've read [b:The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe V. Wade|116477|The Girls Who Went Away The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe V. Wade|Ann Fessler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581886762l/116477._SX50_.jpg|112165] and wanted a more in depth look at a single story, American Baby colors that in for Margaret Erle Katz and her son, David Rosenberg.

In the post-WWII boom, the United States commodified so many things, including babies. Adoption was (and now, to some people) portrayed as a "win-win-win"- a better life for baby, a child for a couple that wants one, and an elimination of the birth mother's 'shame'. In the overwhelming majority of these cases, however, birth mothers were coerced into giving up their infants. Adoption agencies lied to both the birth parents and adoptive parents about each other in effort to obtain babies and adopt them out. In the case of Margaret Erle, she never wanted to relinquish David and fought her parents and the Louise Wise agency every step she could.

The concept of closed adoptions infuriates me. It deprives parties of information they need because... why, societal comfort? When I read and reviewed The Girls Who Went Away, I was actually days past my abortion a decade ago, and the feelings were still fresh. When I wrote "shamed into silence", there was probably some irony because my ex didn't want our mutual acquaintances to find out about what happened, and would have favored a closed adoption if he could make the choice. Rewritten this last paragraph a couple times, but suffice to say that the pressure and coercion attempts (implications that I'd be an unfit mother at the time, that adoption would provide 'a better life', etc.) haven't gone away with the era of maternity homes. Sealed records maintains the cruelty that was inflicted years ago. I'd encourage anyone who thinks adoption is the end all be all for unwanted pregnancies to read the accounts of birth mothers and adoptees, to put actual voices to hypothetical concepts.… (mer)

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Daumari | 6 andra recensioner | Dec 28, 2023 |

American Baby: A Mother, a Child, and the Shadow… av Gabrielle Glaser

American Baby is an excellent narrative history of the corrupt practices of adoption and oppressive treatment of pregnant teens in mid-20th century U.S., told through the framework of one family’s cruel separation. Glaser adds depth to their story with historical research, discussions of adoption policies, the evolving adoptee rights movement, and additional interviews with other women forced to relinquish their babies. The expert synthesis makes for a compelling read.

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LizzK | 6 andra recensioner | Dec 8, 2023 |

American Baby: A Mother, a Child, and the Secret… av Gabrielle Glaser

I never realized how the many facets of an adoption can affect so many connected family members. The secrets that were the past historical way to "keep folks" safe was basically traumatizing for all involved. Let's hope that the more open and transparent adoptions of the future with be done with heart first and shame and money making last.

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Katyefk | 6 andra recensioner | Mar 26, 2022 |

American Baby: A Mother, a Child, and the Shadow… av Gabrielle Glaser

Really enjoyed this look at the post-WW2 American adaptation experience. It certainly was eye-opening as to what young women had to endure as they faced a very difficult and life changing decision. The specific story line of Margret Erle Katz and David Rosenberg was very revealing as to the impact of adoption has on every one involved. Highly recommended.

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GarryRagan | 6 andra recensioner | Feb 18, 2022 |

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