What is the episode about?
The American Scandal episode 'The Woman Who Sold Babies: The Judge's Daughter' documents how Georgia Tann transformed the Tennessee Children's Home Society into a criminal organization that trafficked in human lives. From her headquarters in Memphis, Tann orchestrated a network that systematically removed children from poor families and sold them to wealthy adoptive parents in New York and Los Angeles. The episode focuses on the methods Tann used to circumvent the law and how she secured political protection through influential allies.
The case behind the episode
The case of Georgia Tann is one of the most extensive adoption scandals in American history. Between 1924 and 1950, Tann kidnapped children from hospitals, churches, and streets. She employed cynical methods, including bribing hospital staff to tell mothers that their newborns were stillborn, while the children were actually transported to her institution. Victims like Iris Humphrey lost their children under duress as Tann exploited the mothers' financial vulnerability. Her operation was protected by the powerful politician Edward 'Boss' Crump and Judge Camille Kelly, who ensured that all complaints were swept under the rug. It is estimated that Tann made millions of dollars selling children for up to $5,000 each, which was an astronomical sum at the time. The scandal only came to light in September 1950 when Governor Gordon Browning initiated an investigation, but Tann escaped prosecution when she died of cancer just three days before the official charges were filed.
About the podcast
The podcast American Scandal , produced by Wondery and hosted by Lindsey Graham, is known for its in-depth narrative style that combines historical research with sound design. The series focuses on the events and personalities that have shaped modern America through corruption and scandals. This season highlights the systemic failures that allowed Tann to operate undisturbed for decades and the lasting trauma she left on the families she tore apart.