Women who participated in a secretive Christian sect in the United States have bravely shared accounts of being coerced into giving up their children for adoption, with allegations resurfacing about emotional and physical abuse faced by the adopted children. Former members report that hundreds of adoptions could have occurred from the 1950s through to the 1990s, as the church, often referred to as The Truth or the Two by Twos, maintained a culture of fear surrounding its teachings.
Following an earlier BBC investigation into allegations of widespread child sexual abuse linked to this church, which has a global membership reaching up to 100,000, the FBI has now initiated a formal inquiry to further investigate these claims. These revelations highlight a troubling legacy of manipulation and trauma inflicted upon women who were made to believe that refusing to comply with the church's directives would lead to dire spiritual consequences.
Among the women sharing their stories, several were unmarried at the time of their pregnancies and expressed deep fears of being ostracized or condemned to hell if they chose to keep their babies. One woman, who was just 17 and pregnant after being raped, described being pressured by church officials to surrender her child to a married couple within the sect. "My fear of going to hell was so great that it forced me to make up my mind," she recounted. Additionally, many mothers reported never having the chance to see their newborns before they were taken away forever, further deepening their emotional pain.
The adopted children, often referred to as "Baldwin Babies" after the doctor who oversaw many of the adoptions, reported experiences of neglect and abuse in their adoptive homes. The church's adoptions were shrouded in secrecy, with minimal oversight or vetting processes, leading to some children facing severe maltreatment. In light of these issues, former members have sought solace and community in digital forums where they can share their experiences and support one another.
As the investigation unfolds, it has become increasingly clear that the culture of fear and control within The Truth has allowed for the systemic abuse of both mothers and children. Many former members assert that the church and its appointed leaders must take responsibility for the emotional scars left on those coerced into giving up their children.
Amidst the sorrow, survivors are also finding paths toward healing and empowerment, forging connections with others who share similar stories. "It has been like finding my tribe," one woman reflects, signifying a gradual movement toward reclaiming identities, seeking justice, and fostering a sense of community among those affected.
