Dr. Gretchen Sisson: Exposing the Dark Side of Transnational Adoption Practices

A World of Difference

Do you want to truly understand the impact of international adoption and the complex web of privilege and bias it entails? If you're seeking the solution to this, then join me as we delve into this eye-opening conversation that will increase your understanding of privilege and bias in adoption practices. Let's uncover the truth together.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how international adoption policies impact children's lives.
• Gain insight into the support available for birth mothers considering adoption.
• Uncover the mental health effects of adoption on adoptees.
• Explore the intersection of adoption and reproductive rights.
• Recognize the privilege and bias in domestic adoption practices.

My special guest is Dr. Gretchen Sisson

Gretchen Sisson, a research sociologist and author of "The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood," is a respected figure at the University of California, San Francisco's Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive sciences. Her work on adoption relinquishment after abortion denial has been cited in the dissent for the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs vs Jackson, Women's Health Organization, and has garnered attention from renowned publications such as the Washington Post, Time Magazine, the Nation, NPR, New York Magazine, Vox, and Mother Jones. With a focus on the mental, physical, and financial aspects of women's experiences following pregnancy, Gretchen's expertise sheds light on the complex intersection of adoption and reproductive rights, providing valuable insights for prospective adoptive parents considering transracial adoption.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:03:49 - The Impact of Adoption Relinquishment

00:11:19 - Cultural Narratives and Adoption

00:13:38 - International Adoption and Child Trafficking

00:14:43 - Changing Landscape of International Adoption

00:15:11 - The Decline of International Adoption

00:17:01 - The Complexities of Transracial Adoption

00:23:08 - Intersection of Adoption and Reproductive Health

00:26:25 - Nuances of Abortion and Adoption

00:29:16 - Reflection on Adoption Choices

00:30:55 - Impact of Social Safety Nets

00:34:29 - Unique American Domestic Adoption System

00:38:31 - Narratives and Privilege in Adoption

00:41:35 - Unpaid Labor and Normative Ideals

00:43:56 - Challenges of Safe Housing for Pregnant Women

00:44:18 - Coercive Tactics of Adoption Agencies

00:46:35 - Advice for Adoptive Parents

00:49:00 - Overcoming Shame and Guilt

00:55:35 - Embracing Differences and Deepening Understanding

00:58:09 - Importance of Good Relationships

00:58:18 - Spreading Joy and Making a Difference

00:58:30 - You Matter

00:58:32 - Empowering Others

"We don't value any of those things that families in poverty, that parents living in poverty can give their children, because we believe this middle class ideal is so, you know, undeniably desirable." - Gretchen Sisson

Episode with Cameron Lee Small on Adoptees

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