Babies for Sale: The Tennessee Children's Home Adoption Scandal

by Linda Tollett Austin

In 1950, the Governor of Tennessee called for an investigation of the Tennessee Children's Home black market baby operations, said to have grossed $1 million for Georgia Tann, the superintendent of the local branch of the home. Tann was accused of fraudulently persuading pregnant mothers to relinquish their children. A number of Hollywood celebrities adopted children through the home, namely Joan Crawford, June Allyson, and Dick Powell. During the investigation, local attorneys and justices were found to be part of the scandalous network of adoption that allowed adoptive parents to be out-of-state residents. The story is dramatic and shows southern politics at its worst--congenial, respected public figures running shady deals in the back room. Thousands of children were placed in adopted homes during the agency's operation. Each case is a fascinating story involving the search and reunion of adopted children with their natural families.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adoption

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 1993

Reviews

[Kerry Torgusen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed through this book as it is not written well but there are many interesting details in regards to the adoption scandal.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry reading. This is mostly a report on the political environment of Memphis at the time of the Tennessee Children's Home Adoption scandal, a little background on Georgia Tann and her co-conspirators, the investigation into the Home and some examples of the struggles faced by the families and children involved. There are connections made to the effect that Ms. Tann's less than ethical practices have had on modern adoptions.

[Wendy Hellwig · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reads like a report -- very informational.

[Courtney Sanford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was informative but boring at the same time. Read like a report. Having a parent that had gone through this, the adoption process in Memphis during that time is what intrigued me about this book. Reason for the 3 stars