Listen Now: Liberty Lost

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Liberty Lost" Episode from Wondery

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Introduction

In the compelling episode titled "Liberty Lost," hosted by TJ Raphael from Wondery, listeners are introduced to a harrowing true story that unfolds within the confines of Liberty University’s Liberty Godparent Home. This episode delves into the lives of young evangelical Christians who find themselves entangled in a system that dictates the fate of their unborn children. Through the experiences of Abby and Nathan, the narrative exposes the deeply rooted issues of coercion, control, and the resurgence of maternity homes in post-Roe America.

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Setting the Scene: The Liberty Godparent Home

The episode begins with TJ Raphael setting the stage for the story of Abby, a 16-year-old girl from a devout evangelical home who becomes pregnant. Her parents, adhering to their strict religious beliefs, decide to conceal her situation by placing her in the Liberty Godparent Home—a facility ostensibly designed to help pregnant teens make decisions about their futures, whether that involves parenting or placing their babies for adoption. However, as Abby soon discovers, the reality within the home is far more controlling and manipulative.

Notable Quote:

"Liberty Lost is a startling true story of young love, coercion and defiance..." – TJ Raphael (00:00)

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The Ceremony: A Forced Adoption Process

A pivotal moment in the episode is the depiction of a ceremony orchestrated by the Liberty Godparent Home, where Abby and Nathan, a young couple from similar evangelical backgrounds, are forced to give up their newborn son. The ceremony is portrayed as a twisted celebration, masquerading as a wedding, where the baby's parents are ceremonially transferred to another couple deemed more "worthy" by the institution’s standards.

Key Events:

• Preparation Tension: Abby and Nathan experience intense emotions leading up to the ceremony, highlighting their fear and uncertainty. Abby specifically mentions her desire to appear like a "good old southern girl" despite the situation (02:00).

• The Ceremony: As Abby walks down the aisle with Nathan, they are met by a couple selected by the home to adopt their child. The event is filled with religious fervor, prayers, and false celebrations masking the true nature of the forced adoption (02:00 - 04:28).

Notable Quotes:

"We walked out the doors and I was just like the grand reveal." – Abby (02:22)

"This ceremony, this fucking joke. It's a celebration of something that was part of American life for decades back." – Nathan (04:35)

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Emotional and Psychological Impact

The episode does not shy away from the profound emotional and psychological toll this process takes on Abby and Nathan. Abby expresses feelings of worthlessness and disgust with her own body, forced to relinquish her baby despite her deep love for him. Nathan, equally traumatized, reflects on the unjust nature of the ceremony and the loss they are experiencing.

Key Highlights:

• Abby’s Torment: Abby conveys her internal struggle and the sense of being punished: "I was being punished and being told I wasn't worthy of getting to be the one who had him be his mother" (03:28).

• Nathan’s Frustration: Nathan’s anger is palpable as he describes the ceremony: "This is so wrong. This is, like, so dark. It's so evil. Like, this ceremony is like a fucking joke" (04:28).

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Systemic Issues and Broader Themes

"Liberty Lost" expands its focus beyond the personal tragedy of Abby and Nathan to highlight the systemic issues within evangelical communities that perpetuate such practices. The episode sheds light on the resurgence of maternity homes and the underlying motives to shape society according to specific religious ideologies.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: The forced adoption practices harken back to similar coercive methods used in the 1950s and 1960s, revealing a persistent pattern of controlling young women’s reproductive rights (04:35).

• Ideological Control: A Christian ideologue is featured discussing the necessity of a "godly husband" and the sanctity of marriage, underpinning the organization's rigid stance on sexuality and motherhood (05:10).

Notable Quote:

"Because the true Christian home that produces successful children must be headed by a godly husband. One man for one woman for one lifetime. And no sex pen period outside of marriage." – Christian Ideologue (05:10)

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Resistance and Hope

Despite the oppressive environment, the episode highlights themes of resistance and the strength of the human spirit. Abby’s internal conflict and her eventual decision to fight back against the system represent a beacon of hope for others who might find themselves in similar situations.

Key Highlights:

• Abby’s Defiance: Abby’s realization that the adoption is against her will and her emotional response signifies her fight against the imposed system: "They all saw how much I loved him. They didn't have to take him from me. They knew I didn't want them to" (05:27).

• Potential for Change: The narrative suggests that while some may succumb to the pressure, others will find the courage to resist and advocate for their rights and the well-being of their children.

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Conclusion: A Call to Awareness

"Liberty Lost" serves as a powerful exposé on the dark realities faced by young evangelical Christians navigating forced adoptions and the broader implications for women's rights and autonomy. Through Abby and Nathan's story, the episode calls for greater awareness and scrutiny of such institutions that operate under the guise of religious and moral betterment.

Final Thoughts:

"I'm about to play a clip from Liberty Lost. Follow Liberty Lost on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts." – TJ Raphael (Initial Promotion and Final Call)

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Listen to the Full Episode

For those intrigued by this intense and emotional story, "Liberty Lost" is available exclusively on the Wondery App. Binge all original episodes ad-free by starting a free trial on Wondery+, accessible through the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by visiting wondery.com/links/dying-for-sex/.

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Key Takeaways:

• Coercive Practices: The episode highlights the ongoing issue of forced adoption within evangelical communities.

• Emotional Toll: The psychological impact on young mothers like Abby and Nathan is profound and deeply explored.

• Systemic Control: The intertwining of religious ideologies with reproductive rights showcases a persistent struggle for autonomy and freedom.

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"Liberty Lost" not only narrates a personal tragedy but also serves as a critical commentary on the intersection of religion, governance, and individual rights in contemporary America.

Transcript

[TJ Raphael]

In evangelical homes across the United States, sex outside marriage is a sin against God. So when Abby becomes pregnant at 16, her devout parents hide her away at the Liberty Godparent Home, a little known facility for pregnant teens on the campus of Liberty University. The home says it helps girls decide what comes next, but whether that's parenting their babies or placing them for adoption. But inside the facility, the girls hear a different message. God wants their babies to go to more deserving Christian couples. I'm your host TJ Raphael from Wondery. Liberty Lost is a startling true story of young love, coercion and defiance and the dangerous resurgence of maternity homes in post roe America. Some girls will find the strength to fight back. Others will have no choice but to give in. And some, like Abby, will turn their grief into resistance and take a stand against the system before more mothers lose their children to adoptions they never wanted. I'm about to play a clip from Liberty Lost. Follow Liberty Lost on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nathan]

Wondering Abby and Nathan are waiting for the signal. Any moment now, the ceremony will begin.

[Abby]

You feel this tension, this unknown of what ifs.

[Nathan]

Both of them are trembling, but they've made sure to look their best. 17 year old Abby spent the morning k carefully curling her long brown hair.

[Abby]

I wanted to look good and be a good old southern girl like I.

[Nathan]

Was raised to be a 19 year old. Nathan's in a crisp white button down.

[TJ Raphael]

With freshly cropped hair.

[Abby's Parent]

The only haircut I've ever paid for in my entire life I got before that.

[Nathan]

Through the door they can hear the crowd growing. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, they're all here to see Abby and Nathan walk down the aisle. Finally it's time.

[Abby]

We walked out the doors and I was just like the grand reveal.

[Nathan]

Family and friends turn to get a better look.

[TJ Raphael]

Abby and Nathan walk side by side.

[Nathan]

In his arms, Nathan holds their son who was born just 11 days ago.

[Abby]

And I'm walking down this aisle and I remember feeling like everyone in the room wants me to be excited for this.

[Nathan]

Abby and Nathan both come from evangelical families. Their baby was born outside of God's union. And now Abby's parents have told them it's time to come correct their mistake. At the end of the aisle, a petite blonde southern woman in her mid-30s and her dark haired husband are waiting for them. Or rather, they're waiting for Abby and Nathan's son. And that's because today's celebration is not a wedding.

[Abby]

I was being punished and being told I wasn't worthy of getting to be the one who had him be his mother.

[Nathan]

And this couple waiting for them at the end of the aisle. They've been chosen to be the baby's parents, whether Abby and Nathan like it or not.

[Abby]

And so I'm disgusted in my body. Every step I take forward. I'm just horrified by what's occurring.

[Nathan]

They reach the end of the aisle, and Nathan forces himself to gently place.

[TJ Raphael]

His son in the couple's arms.

[Abby's Parent]

I remember being like, I want to burn this place down.

[Abby]

I just watched them holding him and felt empty inside.

[Nathan]

Everyone prays. Abby and Nathan and the couple pose for photos, the newborn baby between them. There's cake, gifts and speeches.

[Abby's Parent]

This is so wrong. This is, like, so dark. It's so evil. Like, this ceremony is like a fucking joke.

[Nathan]

This ceremony, this fucking joke. It's a celebration of something that was part of American life for decades back. In the 50s and 60s, young women who got pregnant out of wedlock were forced to leave their homes and then secretly place their babies for adoption. But the truth is, it's still happening all over America. And it's all part of a grand plan to reshape the country in God's image.

[Christian Ideologue]

Because the true Christian home that produces successful children must be headed by a godly husband. One man for one woman for one lifetime. And no sex pen period outside of marriage.

[Nathan]

And to make sure the nation has the right kind of mothers.

[Abby]

They all saw how much I loved him. They didn't have to take him from me. They knew I didn't want them to.

[TJ Raphael]

Binge all episodes of Liberty Lost early and ad free on Wondery. Start your free trial of Wondery in the Wondery app, Apple podcasts or Spotify.