Taken at Birth

Taken at Birth, produced by TLC and which premiered in 2019, is a riveting docu-series that treads the compelling, heart-pounding path of investigating illicit adoption practices committed in the mid-20th century. Over the course of three nights in a six-hour special, this extraordinary series highlights the profound stories of victims of a complex and shocking conspiracy that lasted more than three decades in a small town in southern Georgia.

The series spotlights the unmasking of the chilling deeds of Dr. Thomas J. Hicks, who, under the mask of his medical practice in McCaysville, Georgia, reportedly sold over 200 newborns from the back door of his clinic. A universally respected figure in his community, Dr. Hicks was at first admired and revered for his work. However, over time, a much darker picture emerged as he exploited the trust of the families he had pledged to serve. Sold under the guise of illegal adoptions, many children have grown up with little to no knowledge of their true origins. The series unveils a deeply rooted conspiracy laden with lies, secrets, and deeply scarring betrayals, all cloaked under the veil of healthcare provisions.

In this startling series, host Chris Jacobs, renowned investigative genealogist Lisa Joyner, and Jane Blasio, an adoptee who herself was ‘taken at birth’ lead the investigation, exposing the shocking and, in some cases, heartbreaking journeys of these stolen newborns. Blasio, determined to uncover her origins, led her on a 25-year quest to reveal this illicit scheme, becoming an advocate for others embroiled in a similar, unsettling exploration for answers.

The series operates in a two-pronged trajectory— an exploration of the dubious actions committed by Hicks and, perhaps more importantly, the quest of those taken at birth to unearth their identities. A desperate scramble to reclaim their roots, the adults, once illegitimately sold as newborns, now seek to uncover their genetic lineage and medical histories. With poignant moments of meeting biological relatives and delving into the harrowing narrative of their births, the series strips down the profound impacts of illegal adoptions to the bare bones.

Beyond the shocking revelations, Taken at Birth excels in showcasing human resilience in its rawest form as it uncovers the true strength and gallantry of those who were stolen, their adoptive parents, and their birth parents. The series portrays the journey to uncover the truth as a confronting and emotional process, woven with the complex societal, legal, and personal implications that accompany such revelations. Not only does the series unmask the reprehensible actions of a trusted community figure, but it also highlights the aftermath of these actions— the rippling effects they have on unsuspecting, innocent lives.

Taken at Birth, in essence, breaks down the ramifications of unethical medical practices and their long-lasting effects on their victims. The immense pain, confusion, and desperation that the individuals— both the birth parents and the children— went through are brought to life in a manner that is both engaging and deeply empathetic. The series navigates torturous twists and turns, unraveling the deeply affected lives that have been marked by the illicit actions of a seemingly trusted medical practitioner.

The series masterfully unfolds a tale of tragedy and truth, with the central theme being a search for identity. As each of the stolen children embarks on a journey to find their roots, there is a palpable sense of loss, relief, and, ultimately, closure. Therein lies the sheer potency of Taken at Birth. Not only does this series lay bare the inconceivable deeds of a trusted individual, it also sends out a message of bravery, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

In summary, Taken at Birth is more than a narrative of the victims of an illicit adoption racket. It delves deep into the terrifying realities and consequential damages these events can have on individual lives, putting on display raw human emotion and the enduring quest for truth. Uncovering the betrayals of trust, the haunting insecurities, and the eventual journey toward closure, the series is a compelling watch that takes audiences on an unforgettable journey toward truth and resolution.