The Girls Who Went Away

Ann Fessler's 'The Girls Who Went Away' delves into a critical, yet often obscured, period of American history: the decades leading up to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. This era was characterized by stringent social mores, particularly concerning female sexuality and out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

For young women who found themselves pregnant without the prospect of marriage, the societal landscape offered very few viable options. Abortion was largely illegal and dangerous, and access to effective contraception was limited. Consequently, relinquishing a child for adoption became the prescribed, and often the only, socially acceptable 'solution.' Fessler meticulously reconstructs this reality through the voices of the women themselves, illustrating the immense pressure they faced from families, institutions, and the broader community to conform to these expectations.

The book reveals how these women were often isolated, sometimes sent to specialized maternity homes, to conceal their pregnancies and births, thereby maintaining the illusion of societal purity.

The process of adoption during the mid-20th century was frequently shrouded in secrecy, often referred to as 'closed adoptions.' This meant that birth mothers had minimal information about the adoptive families, and vice versa, with little to no ongoing contact. 'The Girls Who Went Away' illuminates the systemic mechanisms that facilitated these separations. Maternity homes, religious organizations, and adoption agencies played significant roles in managing these pregnancies and ensuring the babies were placed with 'suitable' families, often defined by marital status and socioeconomic standing.

Fessler's work highlights the emotional and psychological ramifications of these closed systems, detailing the profound grief, longing, and sense of loss experienced by the birth mothers. The book challenges the notion that relinquishment was always a straightforward or willing choice, underscoring the coercion and lack of agency many women felt.

The historical narrative presented in 'The Girls Who Went Away' holds profound significance for understanding contemporary issues surrounding reproductive rights, adoption reform, and women's autonomy. By documenting the experiences of women in the pre-Roe era, Fessler provides crucial context for the ongoing debates about bodily autonomy and the societal structures that influence reproductive decisions. The book serves as a powerful reminder of how legal and social landscapes shape individual lives, particularly for marginalized groups.

Furthermore, it contributes to a broader understanding of the history of adoption, informing current discussions about open adoption, the rights of birth parents, and the long-term impact of adoption on all parties involved. The stories within the book are not merely historical accounts; they are testaments to resilience and the enduring human need for connection and recognition.

Ann Fessler's meticulous research and empathetic approach in 'The Girls Who Went Away' represent a significant scholarly contribution to the fields of history, sociology, and women's studies. By centering the narratives of birth mothers, she challenges traditional historical accounts that often overlook or marginalize their experiences. The book is built upon extensive oral histories, archival research, and a deep engagement with the personal testimonies of women who lived through this era.

Fessler's work is instrumental in bringing to light the complex emotional, social, and ethical dimensions of forced or pressured adoptions. It encourages critical reflection on the societal forces that shape reproductive choices and highlights the importance of acknowledging and understanding the diverse experiences of women throughout history, advocating for greater compassion and informed dialogue.