A review by jenniferbbookdragon
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood by Gretchen Sisson

challenging informative medium-paced

4.5

Sisson has done serious academic work and presents it with compassion and recognition of the politics involved. By interviewing 77 women who placed children for adoption,  17 of them twice at 10 year intervals,  she is able to share the experiences of the people forgotten by most writings about adoption. Through their stories,  we see how women are shamed, manipulated, and left behind by those with money, privilege, and political agendas. She makes a compelling case for a complete reset of adoption law and practice, from enforceable open adoption agreements and options counseling that includes a parenting plan,  to honest sex education and public support systems that include affordable housing,  healthcare, and paid family leave.
I worked in child welfare for 8 years in the 1990s and early 2000s, and saw many of the issues raised here. Birth mothers have incredible grief and deserve more support,  better services,  and a right to a continued relationship to their child.
Thank you to the author and the birth mothers for sharing this.
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