Coercive Practices in US Religious Sect: Women Speak Out on Forced Adoptions

In a shocking revelation, women from a secretive Christian sect have come forward to describe coercive tactics used by the church to compel them into relinquishing their babies for adoption. The allegations, which include accounts of abuse within adoptive families, have prompted a Federal Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the church's practices.

Women who were once part of a little-known Christian sect in the United States have shared harrowing experiences of being coerced into giving up their offspring for adoption, claiming that the church exercised undue pressure and threats of eternal damnation to control their decisions. This revelation raises disturbing questions about the adoption practices of the group, often referred to as The Truth or the Two by Twos, which boasts a global membership of approximately 100,000.

The claims emerged in the wake of a BBC inquiry that investigated longstanding allegations of child sexual abuse within the church. In light of these troubling reports, the FBI has initiated its own investigation.

The testimonies of four women reveal a consistent theme of pressure and manipulation. All were unmarried at the time of their pregnancies, and three were fearful of being ostracized from the church community if they refused to comply with the demands. One woman, who became pregnant after being raped, recalled her overwhelming fear of retribution and hellfire, leading her to relinquish her child to a married couple within the sect.

Other adoptees have recounted their traumatic experiences, revealing that many faced neglect and abuse after being placed in adoptive homes associated with the church. The children, referred to as "Baldwin Babies"—a name derived from the sect's deceased doctor who oversaw the adoptions—were reportedly subjected to various forms of mistreatment after being adopted.

Despite the church's lack of a formal leadership structure, the BBC approached several high-ranking overseers for comment on the allegations. The only response acknowledged that any adoptions had been conducted through proper legal channels, with an accompanying sentiment that some positive stories had emerged from these adoptions.

Many mothers who spoke with the BBC asserted that the responsibility for the trauma inflicted upon them and their children lies squarely with the church's officials and their policies. Melanie Williams, one of the mothers, explained how fear-based teachings evolved within the church, contributing to her forced decision to give up her child. Similarly, Deb Adadjo described how the threats of exclusion from the church left her with no choice but to comply.

More than four decades later, these women continue to grapple with the psychological wounds inflicted by their experiences. Some, like Sherlene Eicher, maintain a connection with their grown children, albeit not without lingering feelings of sorrow and loss.

The situation facing these families highlights a larger systemic issue within the church where inadequate vetting of adoptive families created avenues for abuse and neglect. Reports have surfaced suggesting that children placed with adoptive families often did not undergo sufficient scrutiny, which arguably contributed to the cycle of trauma that persists today.

As these women share their stories, they find solace in connecting with others who have endured similar experiences. They reflect on a growing sense of community, helping each other process their past traumas while collectively pushing for accountability from the church—an institution they feel has betrayed them.

This ongoing saga raises broader questions about the intersection of faith, ethics, and systemic accountability in religious organizations, underscoring the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation and harm.