Liberty Lost: A Deep Dive into Coercion and Control at Liberty University

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Liberty Lost" from Wondery's Scamfluencers series, co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi unravel a disturbing true story that sheds light on the resurgence of maternity homes within evangelical communities in post-Roe America. This episode explores the intricate web of influence, coercion, and the devastating impact on young mothers like Abby, who find themselves ensnared in a system that prioritizes institutional beliefs over individual autonomy.

Setting the Scene: Liberty University and the Godparent Home

The narrative is set against the backdrop of Liberty University, a prominent evangelical institution in the United States. Within its campus lies the Liberty Godparent Home, a facility ostensibly designed to assist pregnant teens in making critical life decisions—whether to continue their pregnancies or consider adoption. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the home harbors a more insidious agenda.

[00:00] Narrator: "In evangelical homes across the United States, sex outside of marriage is a sin against God."

This statement underscores the rigid moral framework that governs the lives of the individuals involved, setting the stage for the events that follow.

Abby's Ordeal: From Pregnancy to Coercion

Abby's story serves as the emotional core of the episode. At just 16, Abby becomes pregnant, leading her devout parents to place her in the Liberty Godparent Home. The institution presents itself as a supportive environment, but in reality, it imposes a stringent ideology that dictates the fate of Abby's child.

[00:32] Narrator: "Liberty Lost is a new podcast about a startling true story of young love, coercion and defiance and the dangerous resurgence of maternity homes in post Roe America."

Within the facility, Abby and other girls are subjected to the belief that God desires their babies to be raised by "more deserving Christian couples," effectively stripping them of their agency.

The Ceremony: A Tragic Rite of Passage

A pivotal moment in Abby's journey is the ceremony depicted in the transcript, symbolizing the forced separation of mother and child under the guise of religious duty.

[01:11] Narrator: "Abby and Nathan are waiting for the signal. Any moment now, the ceremony will begin."

Both Abby and Nathan, who is 19, prepare meticulously for this event, highlighting the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil they endure.

[01:18] Abby: "You feel this tension, this unknown of what ifs."

[02:10] Narrator: "Abby and Nathan walk side by side. In his arms, Nathan holds their son who was born just 11 days ago."

The ceremony is intended to be a celebratory event, but its true nature is a coercive act forcing Abby and Nathan to relinquish their child.

[03:12] Abby: "I was being punished and being told I wasn't worthy of getting to be the one who had him be his mother."

[04:00] Narrator: "This ceremony, this fucking joke. It's a celebration of something that was part of American life for decades."

The ritual mirrors historical practices from the 1950s and 60s, where similar tactics were employed to uphold evangelical standards.

Personal Struggles and Resistance

Abby's internal conflict is palpable throughout the episode. She grapples with feelings of worthlessness and disgust with the process that forcibly takes her child away.

[03:31] Abby: "And so I'm disgusted in my body. Every step I take forward. I'm just horrified by what's occurring."

Nathan's resentment is equally intense, expressing a desire to dismantle the oppressive system.

[03:51] Nathan: "I remember being like, I want to burn this place down."

This shared trauma fuels their resilience, leading them to resist the institutional pressures imposed upon them.

[05:12] 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."

Her determination to keep her child, despite the overwhelming odds, epitomizes the human spirit's capacity for resistance against systemic coercion.

The Broader Context: Evangelical Influence and Societal Impact

The episode delves into the larger implications of such maternity homes, emphasizing how they are part of a broader strategy to "reshape the country in God's image."

[04:54] Voice of Authority: "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, period, outside of marriage."

This rigid doctrine not only affects the individuals directly involved but also perpetuates a cycle of control and suppression of dissenting voices within evangelical communities.

[04:54] Voice of Authority: "To make sure the nation has the right kind of mothers."

The episode highlights how these practices aim to regulate reproductive rights and enforce a particular moral code, often at the expense of personal freedoms and individual choices.

Conclusion: The Fight for Autonomy and Justice

"Liberty Lost" culminates in a powerful portrayal of Abby's transformation from a victim to a symbol of resistance. Her journey underscores the urgent need to address and dismantle the coercive practices that undermine young women's autonomy and reproductive rights.

[05:06] Narrator: "Because the true Christian home that produces successful children must be headed by a godly husband."

The episode serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and combat these insidious influences that continue to plague vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Systemic Coercion: The episode exposes the systematic methods used by evangelical institutions to control and manipulate young mothers.

• Personal Resilience: Abby and Nathan's stories highlight the importance of personal strength and the impact of resisting oppressive systems.

• Cultural Influence: The narrative illustrates how deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs can shape policies and individual lives, often to detrimental effects.

• Call for Awareness: "Liberty Lost" emphasizes the necessity of awareness and advocacy to protect reproductive rights and individual autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

• Abby (02:24): "And I'm walking down this aisle and I remember feeling like everyone in the room wants me to be excited for this."

• Nathan (04:12): "This is so wrong. This is, like, so dark. It's so evil. Like, this ceremony is like a fucking joke."

• Voice of Authority (04:54): "Because the true Christian home that produces successful children must be headed by a godly husband."

Final Thoughts

"Liberty Lost" serves as a compelling exploration of how modern-day maternity homes continue to echo the oppressive practices of the past, driven by extremist interpretations of religious doctrines. Through Abby's harrowing experience, the episode sheds light on the urgent need for societal and legislative changes to protect young women from such coercive influences. Wondery's meticulous storytelling not only informs but also galvanizes listeners to advocate for justice and autonomy in the face of pervasive institutional control.