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Published on:

1st Sep 2026

299. Gretchen Sisson: "Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood"

Gretchen Sisson, PhD, is a sociologist who studies abortion and adoption in the United States. She is a researcher at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, part of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. Her research examining adoption decision-making after abortion denial (as part of The Turnaway Study) was cited in the Supreme Court’s dissent in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health from Justices Breyer, Kagan, and Sotomayor. In response to the oral arguments and decision in Dobbs, she authored pieces in the Washington Post, The Nation, and the Washington Post (again). Gretchen’s research been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and Consider This, as well as in New York Magazine, VOX, and other outlets.

https://www.gretchensisson.com

Music by Corey Quinn

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About the Podcast

Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland
Adoptees and other members of the constellation share their perspective about adoption.
Through an audio drama and episodes of thought-provoking conversations, the listening audience can learn some of the issues faced by those affected by relinquishment and adoption. The adoptee is at the center of all conversations had with other members of the adoption constellation.
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Jennifer Dyan Ghoston

Hi, I'm Jennifer who is an adoptee in reunion with both sides of my birth family. I have been formally connected with the adoption community for over a decade and am always interested in hearing the personal stories of adoptees from all over the globe. We all have a "Once upon a time". If you wish to share your story please go to www.jenniferdyanghoston.com