The state of adoption in Tennessee

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, some supporters of the ruling presented adoption as an alternative solution to unwanted pregnancies. A photo of a couple holding a sign that read, “We will adopt your baby” went viral.  While adoption may be an option, it’s not necessarily so straightforward, and the process can also be tricky to navigate, both for birth parents and hopeful adoptive parents. What is the state of adoption in Tennessee right now, and what does it look like for those wanting to adopt children? Could lack of abortion access lead more children to be put up for adoption? Is Tennessee’s system ready to handle an increase in foster care and adoption requests? And what’s it like to be adopted, anyway?  In this episode, we’re joined by adult adoptees, someone looking to adopt and adoption advocates. But first, WPLN editors Julia Ritchey and Chas Sisk break down the most noteworthy state and federal races in the upcoming election. Guests:  Julia Ritchey, WPLN editor Chas Sisk, WPLN senior editor Jennifer Harbin, adoptee Janelle Kreykes, adoptee Jacob Grambell, prospective parent looking to adopt Jeremy Harrell, president and CEO of The Adoption Project Laura Troup, donor relations and annual fund director of AGAPE