1915 mailing babies

You're referring to the infamous "Baby Scoop Era" in the United States, which spanned from the 1940s to the 1980s. During this time, thousands of babies were adopted out of state institutions, foster care, and hospitals, often without the knowledge or consent of their biological mothers.

In 1915, the United States was still in the midst of the Progressive Era, and social reform movements were gaining momentum. The Children's Bureau, established in 1912, was working to improve child welfare and adoption practices. However, the concept of adoption was still relatively new, and many states lacked laws and regulations governing the process.

In the early 20th century, many women, often unmarried or from low-income backgrounds, found themselves pregnant and without the means to care for their children. In some cases, they were coerced or pressured into giving up their babies for adoption. This was often facilitated by social workers, doctors, and other authorities who believed that adoption was the best solution for the child's well-being.

The 1915 case you're referring to likely involves the adoption of babies from institutions, such as orphanages or hospitals, rather than directly from biological mothers. During this time, many institutions were overcrowded and underfunded, leading to a surge in adoptions.

The Baby Scoop Era was marked by a lack of transparency, secrecy, and often, coercion. Many biological mothers were not informed about the adoption process, and some were even told that their babies had died or been given up for adoption without their consent.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the adoption landscape began to shift, and the Baby Scoop Era came to an end. The 1978 Adoption Act, also known as the Indian Child Welfare Act, aimed to protect Native American children and preserve their cultural heritage. The 1980s saw a growing awareness of the importance of open adoption, where biological parents and adoptive parents maintain a relationship.

Today, adoption laws and practices have evolved to prioritize transparency, informed consent, and the rights of biological parents. However, the legacy of the Baby Scoop Era continues to impact the lives of many individuals, including those who were separated from their biological families during this time.