Ep 1. Black Market Baby Dealer

Taken at Birth is a reality television show that delves into the lives of individuals who were illegally adopted as infants and their journey to uncover the truth about their origins. Season 1 episode 1, titled "Black Market Baby Dealer," follows the story of Jane Blasio, a woman who was born in the early 1960s in rural Georgia. When Jane was just a few days old, she was taken away from her mother, Ruth, by a woman named Georgia Tann, who was known for running a black market baby business in Tennessee.

The episode begins with Jane explaining how she was raised by Bill and Martha, her adoptive parents, and that she had always felt like there was a missing piece in her life. Despite her happy childhood, Jane always wondered about her birth family and why she had been put up for adoption. As an adult, Jane began to search for answers and eventually discovered that she was one of thousands of babies that Georgia Tann had stolen and sold in a nationwide adoption scheme that ran from the 1920s until Tann's death in 1950.

Jane teams up with investigative journalist Lisa Joyner, who has been researching the illegal adoption ring and uncovering the stories of others who were taken from their birth families. Together, they embark on a journey to learn more about Georgia Tann and the black market baby trade that she ran. They start by speaking with Martha Deaver, a woman who was adopted through the same agency as Jane and who also suspects that she was taken from her birth mother.

As they dig deeper, Jane and Lisa begin to uncover the shocking truth about Georgia Tann and the abuse and neglect that many of the stolen babies faced. They interview experts in the field of adoption and psychology, who explain how the trauma of being taken from one's mother can have lifelong effects on a person's well-being. They also meet with other victims of the black market baby trade who share their stories of loss and longing.

The episode culminates in a dramatic reunion between Jane and Martha Deaver, who finally meet after a lifetime of feeling like something was missing. Through tears, they share their stories and discover that they have much in common, including their determination to uncover the truth about their past. As the episode ends, Jane and Lisa vow to continue their investigation and bring awareness to the issue of illegal adoption and the harm it causes to families and individuals alike.

Overall, "Black Market Baby Dealer" is a powerful and moving episode that highlights the heartbreaking stories of those who were taken from their birth parents and sold for profit. The show sheds light on an often-hidden aspect of American history and challenges viewers to think more critically about the adoption industry and the need for transparency and ethical practices. Through the compelling stories of Jane and Martha, viewers are reminded of the importance of family and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.