Dr. Gretchen Sisson: Exposing the Dark Side of Transnational Adoption Practices
- Dr. Gretchen Sisson: Exposing the Dark Side of Transnational Adoption Practices Lori Adams-Brown 1:00:06
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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