The Resurgence and History of Maternity Homes in Post-Roe America

Maternity homes have seen a resurgence since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. These homes, which differ from emergency shelters by offering long-term housing and support for pregnant women, have a complex history. They are often faith-based and have roots in earlier practices of coercing unwed mothers into adoption.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade, maternity homes have experienced a resurgence across the United States. These homes, often endorsed by Christian anti-abortion advocates, aim to provide long-term housing and comprehensive services for women carrying pregnancies to term.

Distinct from emergency shelters, maternity homes offer extended support to pregnant women, sometimes for months or years after childbirth. Many are faith-based organizations, rooted in Catholic or evangelical traditions. However, these homes carry a contentious history, marked by trauma and secrecy. In the decades before Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, many unwed pregnant women were often coerced into giving up their babies for adoption.

Originally established in the late 19th century, maternity homes like the Florence Crittenton home in New York initially aimed to reform 'fallen women.' By the mid-20th century, these homes shifted their focus to placing babies with adoptive families. During the 'Baby Scoop Era' between the end of World War II and 1973, over 1.5 million American infants were surrendered for adoption, with their mothers commonly sent to maternity homes.