The American adoption system is a complex, often fragmented network of institutions and ideologies that frequently reflect the priorities of the powerful over the needs of the vulnerable. The episode explores historical periods like the Baby Scoop Era, where social coercion led to mass infant surrenders, and the subsequent rise and fall of international adoption amid concerns of fraud and trafficking. Significant attention is given to the Indian Child Welfare Act and the ethical debates surrounding transracial adoption, highlighting the tension between individual desires and cultural or tribal sovereignty. The podcast also examines how the DNA revolution has challenged decades of institutional secrecy by allowing adoptees to reclaim their biological origins independently. Ultimately, the episode argues for a shift toward family preservation and a ...