The history of adoption has been shaped by remarkable women who advocated for reforms, transparency, and support for birth mothers and adoptive families. These women’s contributions have transformed adoption practices, empowering birth mothers and creating safer, more inclusive systems. All About U Adoptions takes a closer look at some of these pioneering figures – the Women Who Changed the Adoption Process throughout history…
1. Clara Barton (1821-1912)
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, is widely remembered for her humanitarian efforts. In addition to her disaster relief work, she advocated for orphaned and displaced children after the Civil War, helping to pioneer early adoption practices focused on child welfare. Her advocacy highlighted the need for stable, loving homes for orphaned children, influencing how societies viewed adoption as a pathway for child care and security.
2. Florence Crittenton (1856-1942)
Charles Crittenton the father of Florence founded the National Florence Crittenton Mission, a network of homes established in the late 19th century to support unmarried pregnant women. These “Crittenton Homes” offered shelter, medical care, and support, which was groundbreaking at a time when single motherhood was stigmatized. The organization continues today, helping birth mothers and adoptive families with resources and emotional support. Her work set standards for the humane treatment of birth mothers, paving the way for modern adoption and social work services.
3. Georgia Tann (1891-1950)
Although controversial, Georgia Tann’s influence on modern adoption practices cannot be ignored. In the 1920s and 1930s, Tann operated a high-profile adoption agency, shaping the notion of closed adoption by promoting confidentiality for birth mothers and adoptive families. While her practices were unethical and led to widespread adoption reforms to protect birth mothers, her influence led to changes in how society views adoption and the importance of ethical oversight.
4. Anne Hastings (1929-2004)
A foster care reformer and advocate, Anne Hastings fought for greater transparency in adoption and child welfare. Her work helped establish ethical standards in open adoption, ensuring that birth mothers and adoptive parents maintained contact. Hastings is remembered for her insistence on birth mothers’ right to know about their child’s future, helping to shape policies that make open adoption more accessible and humane.
5. Annette Baran (1930-2010)
Annette Baran was a social worker and co-author of The Adoption Triangle, a groundbreaking book published in 1978 that advocated for openness in adoption. Baran argued that secrecy often created emotional trauma for adoptees and birth mothers alike, promoting the idea of open adoption where appropriate. Her work encouraged policy changes in favor of transparency, influencing adoptive practices globally.
6. Jean Paton (1908-2002)
An adoptee herself, Jean Paton founded the organization Orphan Voyage, one of the first groups dedicated to supporting adoptees and birth mothers in search of reunions. In the 1950s, she campaigned for adoptees’ rights to access their birth records, challenging the closed adoption model. Paton’s work led to greater public awareness about adoptees’ and birth mothers’ emotional needs, which impacted adoption laws and the openness of records.
7. Ruth McRoy (1948-)
Ruth McRoy, a social work scholar and researcher, has dedicated much of her career to studying adoption outcomes and racial disparities within the system. Her work has been pivotal in improving adoption policies and understanding the unique challenges faced by transracial adoptees. McRoy’s research has informed practices to better support both birth mothers and adoptees, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches in adoption.
8. Jane Aronson (1951-)
A pediatrician and adoption advocate, Dr. Jane Aronson founded the Worldwide Orphans Foundation, focusing on the health and well-being of adopted children, especially those from international backgrounds. She has raised awareness about the medical and psychological needs of adopted children and has become an influential voice in international adoption practices. Aronson’s work emphasizes the importance of post-adoption care and support for all parties.
The Lasting Impact of Their Work with Adoption
The work of these women in reshaping adoption has left lasting legacies. Their efforts in advocating for birth mothers’ rights, transparency, and ethical practices continue to resonate today, as adoption policies and practices increasingly prioritize the well-being of both children and birth mothers. Highlighting their stories in discussions about adoption underscores the importance of compassionate, informed policies in the evolving adoption landscape.