American Scandal: The Woman Who Sold Babies | Supply and Demand | Episode 2

Host: Lindsey Graham
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Podcast: American Scandal by Wondery

1. Introduction to the Memphis Orphanage (00:00 - 03:15)

The episode opens in the spring of 1928 at the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Orphanage in Memphis, Tennessee. Tension fills the air as the Mother Superior prepares for the arrival of Judge Camille Kelly, a regular but unsettling visitor. Her visits invariably lead to the removal of children from the orphanage under suspicious circumstances.

"Judge Kelly is a frequent visitor to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, but she's not an entirely welcome one." [02:45]

2. Georgia Tann’s Rise to Power (03:16 - 10:30)

By the summer of 1928, Georgia Tann has transformed from a fundraiser to the powerful executive secretary of the Tennessee Children's Home Society (TCHS) in Memphis. Leveraging connections with local power brokers like Judge Kelly and political figure Edward "Boss" Crump, Tann establishes a robust network to control adoptions, believing that placing poor and undereducated children with wealthier families will benefit American society.

"Georgia Tann didn't just want to help children; she was convinced that America would be better off if the poor and undereducated gave up their children to richer families." [08:20]

3. The Christmas Baby Giveaway (10:31 - 16:50)

In late November 1929, amid the Great Depression, Tann collaborates with Ada Gilke, a young journalist at the Memphis Press Scimitar, to launch the Christmas Baby Giveaway. This campaign promises to match 25 children with local families each Christmas, significantly boosting TCHS's visibility and recruitment for adoptions.

"The Memphis Press Scimitar's Christmas Baby Giveaway becomes an annual event, capturing the hearts of readers across the South." [15:30]

The strategy proves highly successful, with thousands of hopeful parents eager to adopt, putting immense pressure on Tann to supply more children to meet the demand.

"By December 25, all the children in the giveaway are spoken for. As far as Tann is concerned, it's a Christmas miracle." [16:45]

4. Expanding Influence and Exploiting Vulnerable Families (16:51 - 22:17)

As adoption demand surges, Tann resorts to more deceitful methods to procure children. She manipulates birth records, falsifies information about the children's backgrounds, and ensures that the children meet the specific desires of prospective parents, often preferring newborns and girls.

"Tann starts spending long days at local orphanages and boarding homes, scouting and photographing children to present to these choosy prospective parents." [21:10]

Tann's network includes various professionals—nurses, doctors, and social workers—who assist in identifying and seizing vulnerable children from struggling families.

5. Personal Stories of Loss and Manipulation (22:18 - 31:45)

The narrative delves into the harrowing experiences of mothers like Francie, whose children are forcibly taken from her by Tann's associates under the guise of legal authority.

"Francie lunges forward, but Tan doesn't move. Francie can only watch helplessly as her children are bundled into the backseat of a car." [30:20]

Another poignant story is that of Irene Greene, who loses her baby under suspicious circumstances. Despite hearing her child's cries, Irene is told that her baby was stillborn, a deceitful tactic used by Tann to cover up the theft of babies.

"Green can't see or hear her baby, and she begins to panic. Green has already lost three of her children. From her hospital bed, Green calls out desperately to see her baby right away." [29:50]

These personal accounts highlight Tann's ruthless methods in fulfilling her agenda, leaving lasting trauma on the affected families.

6. Building a National Network and Amassing Power (31:46 - 40:30)

By the early 1930s, Tann's influence extends beyond Memphis as she aspires to create a national agency overseeing adoptions across America. She garners support from influential politicians and social workers, convincing them of the societal benefits of her adoption practices.

"Tann's ultimate dream is to establish and lead a national agency with branches in every state responsible for all adoptions in America." [35:10]

Her ability to secure powerful allies ensures that any grievances against her are swiftly dismissed, maintaining her stronghold over the adoption industry.

7. Ethical Concerns and Future Implications (40:31 - 43:40)

As Tann's operations become more entrenched, ethical questions arise regarding the care and wellbeing of the children under her control. The episode sets the stage for future investigations into the mistreatment and exploitation of these vulnerable children.

"In our next episode, Georgia Tann turns the adoption process into big business, but questions start to be asked about the care of children in Memphis." [42:30]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Judge Kelly is a frequent visitor to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, but she's not an entirely welcome one." [02:45]

• "Georgia Tann didn't just want to help children; she was convinced that America would be better off if the poor and undereducated gave up their children to richer families." [08:20]

• "By December 25, all the children in the giveaway are spoken for. As far as Tann is concerned, it's a Christmas miracle." [16:45]

• "Tann starts spending long days at local orphanages and boarding homes, scouting and photographing children to present to these choosy prospective parents." [21:10]

• "Francie lunges forward, but Tan doesn't move. Francie can only watch helplessly as her children are bundled into the backseat of a car." [30:20]

• "Green can't see or hear her baby, and she begins to panic. Green has already lost three of her children. From her hospital bed, Green calls out desperately to see her baby right away." [29:50]

• "Tann's ultimate dream is to establish and lead a national agency with branches in every state responsible for all adoptions in America." [35:10]

Conclusion

Episode 2 of American Scandal delves deep into the dark underbelly of early 20th-century adoption practices in America, focusing on Georgia Tann's manipulative control over the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Through deceit, coercion, and the exploitation of vulnerable families, Tann amassed significant power, shaping the lives of countless children and leaving a legacy of trauma. The episode sets the groundwork for further exploration into the systemic abuses within adoption institutions and the eventual uncovering of these scandals.

For those interested in uncovering more about Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Home Society, recommended readings include:

• "The Baby Thief" by Barbara Bazance Raymond
• "Babies for Sale" by Linda Tollett Austin

Note: All children's names in this summary have been changed to protect their privacy. This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the episode's narrative.