The Haunting History of "The Girls Who Went Away": America's Forgotten Residential Schools for Unwed Mothers

Hidden within the tapestry of American history lies a somber chapter, a story of forgotten lives and shattered dreams. Throughout the 20th century, a network of residential schools, known as "maternity homes" or "rescue homes," operated across the country, confining thousands of unwed mothers and their children. These institutions, often veiled in secrecy and shame, became the backdrop for a harrowing chapter that has largely faded from collective memory.

Origins and Ideology

The origins of these residential schools can be traced back to the late 19th century, when societal attitudes towards unwed motherhood were shaped by a rigid moral code. Premarital sex was widely condemned, and women who found themselves pregnant outside of marriage faced severe social ostracism. In response to this perceived crisis, charitable organizations and religious groups established homes where these young women could give birth in secrecy and anonymity.

The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade

by Ann Fessler

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1320 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

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The ideology underpinning these institutions was a complex blend of Victorian morality, eugenics, and social control. Unwed mothers were often seen as morally deficient and in need of correction. Maternity homes aimed to rehabilitate these young women, instill discipline, and facilitate their eventual return to a "respectable" life. However, this facade of rehabilitation often masked a reality of abuse, exploitation, and coercion.

Life Inside the Homes

The daily lives of residents in maternity homes were strictly regimented and often punitive. Young women were subjected to harsh discipline, enforced silence, and constant surveillance. They were forced to work long hours in laundries or sewing rooms, and any perceived transgressions were met with harsh punishments, including physical abuse.

The children born in these homes faced an equally grim fate. They were often taken from their mothers shortly after birth and placed in foster care or adoption. Some of these children were raised in institutions, where they were subjected to similar abuse and neglect as their mothers.

Eugenics and Forced Adoptions

As the 20th century progressed, the ideology of eugenics gained traction in the United States. Eugenics, the belief that the human race could be improved through selective breeding, led to the forced sterilization of hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many unwed mothers in maternity homes.

Forced adoptions also became a common practice in these institutions. Adoptive parents were often wealthy and white, and they preferred healthy, white babies. As a result, many mothers of color were pressured to give up their children, even if they did not wish to do so.

The Long-Term Impact

The horrors of maternity homes have left an enduring legacy of trauma and broken lives. Former residents have reported experiencing lifelong psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Many struggled to form healthy relationships and struggled with addiction.

The children born in these homes have also faced challenges, including mental health issues, identity confusion, and difficulty tracing their biological families. Forced adoption has had a profound and lasting impact on their sense of belonging and self-esteem.

Uncovering the Hidden History

For decades, the story of maternity homes remained largely hidden from public view. Survivors were often silenced by shame or fear of retaliation. However, in recent years, a growing number of former residents have come forward to share their experiences, sparking a national reckoning with this dark chapter in American history.

Researchers and historians have also delved into the archives, uncovering the extent of the abuse and exploitation that took place within these institutions. The work of organizations such as the National Archive on Forced Sterilization and the Forgotten Children and Adopted People Remembrance Day has raised awareness and helped to give voice to the victims.

Reckoning and Reconciliation

As the hidden history of maternity homes comes to light, there is a growing movement for reconciliation and healing. Former residents are demanding apologies and compensation for the wrongs they have suffered. States and religious organizations are beginning to acknowledge their role in these institutions and are offering support to survivors.

There is also a need for a national dialogue about the lasting impact of unwed motherhood stigma and the systemic barriers that continue to face unmarried parents today. By confronting the past and addressing these ongoing issues, we can work towards a future where all people have the opportunity to live with dignity and respect.

The story of "The Girls Who Went Away" is a haunting reminder of the dark side of American history. It is a testament to the power of shame and prejudice to inflict unspeakable suffering on the most vulnerable members of our society. However, it is also a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring search for justice.

As we continue to uncover the hidden truths of our past, let us commit ourselves to learning from these mistakes and to ensuring that such horrors never happen again. By listening to the voices of survivors, acknowledging the pain they have endured, and taking steps towards reconciliation, we can create a society where all people are valued and respected, regardless of their circumstances.

The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade

by Ann Fessler

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1320 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

FREE