Women with ties to a reclusive Christian sect in the U.S. have shared troubling accounts of being pressured to surrender their infants for adoption, with estimates suggesting hundreds of such cases between the 1950s and 1990s. Former members of a group often referred to as The Truth or the Two by Twos allege that the adopted children experienced neglect and abuse in their subsequent families. These claims follow a BBC investigation into long-standing allegations of child sexual abuse within the church, which boasts around 100,000 global followers and is currently facing scrutiny from the FBI.
Four mothers, all unmarried at the time, disclosed that they had no choice but to give up their children. Three feared severe consequences, including eternal damnation, if they chose to retain their babies. One woman recounted being coerced into giving her baby to a couple in the church after she was raped at the age of 17, saying, "My fear of going to hell was so great that it forced me to make up my mind." Another mother stated she wasn’t permitted to see her baby before it was taken away forever.
The BBC's investigation spoke to six individuals adopted between the 1960s and 1980s, highlighting instances of abuse. Among these, one woman reported experiencing physical and emotional abuse in her adoptive home, and sexual abuse in another. These adoptions were historically overseen by Dr. Wally Baldwin, a church member, who organized these placements and even hosted some mothers during their pregnancies. His legacy includes the term "Baldwin Babies," although estimates on the total number of adoptions remain speculative.
In response to inquiries, a church overseer claimed that all adoptions he was aware of followed legal processes, highlighting positive stories. However, some mothers spoke about the psychological turmoil they faced, believing they were serving their faith by relinquishing their children. For instance, Melanie Williams shared how intense fear of hell influenced her decision at just 18 years old, saying, "If I keep this baby, I'm going to hell."
Other mothers, like Deb Adadjo, shared that they were pressured to comply with church authorities who threatened to cut them off from the congregation. After having a baby, Deb felt all she could do was tightly embrace her newborn, repeating her love and apologies before letting her go. Both Deb and Melanie recounted their continued emotional struggles years later, with Melanie revealing her doubts about ever knowing if her child was alive.
The survivors of these showings revealed a troubling adoption system lacking proper vetting, leaving adopted children vulnerable to abuse. Some adopted children reported experiencing severe physical abuse and neglect, highlighting the absence of accountability within the church's practices. These revelations have prompted former and current members to connect and share their stories in online support groups.
While many mothers are united in feeling empathy for each other's traumatic experiences, they hope to find healing and community. "It has been like finding my tribe," said Melanie. "I'm not alone anymore."
