Trigger warning: This story contains content that may be distressing to some.
A new mother in Texas, USA, opted to take matters into her own hands when it came to the adoption of her newborn baby. The 21-year-old mother allegedly attempted to sell her newborn baby on Facebook in an online adoption group.
The decision to put a newborn baby up for adoption is never one that is taken lightly. There are processes in place to ensure the best outcome for the infant as well as the biological parents and the adopted parents. In most adoption cases, there is an agency involved and the process can take months, if not years.
The mother was reported to Child Protection Services and is now facing criminal charges. She has allegedly revoked custody of the newborn.
$150 to sell her newborn baby
Juniper Bryson, 21, allegedly gave birth to a baby boy on 24 September. However, her plan to put her son up for adoption started before his birth.
On 22 September, the soon-to-be mother allegedly put in a request on a Facebook Group known as “Birth Mother Is Looking for Adoptive Parents.”
Juniper explained that she was located in Houston but would travel to hand over the baby. Several people responded to her request, and one couple from Louisiana agreed to drive overnight to Houston to be with the mother.
Juniper allegedly asked the couple for money for food. They sent her $25. She then requested an additional $150. The couple eventually turned around and went back to Louisiana, but it wasn’t clear if they explicitly rejected her request for the money.
Case documents reveal that Bryson’s words included: “It’s not even like that, just enough to move into an apartment so I can work a job and get (my daughter) back, or a cheap down payment, or any car to get to different places to DoorDash. Nothing crazy at all.”
According to court documents, the 21-year-old decision to give her child up for adoption stemmed from the fear that the baby would be going into foster care and that he would test positive for drugs.
Very heartbreaking
Another woman, Wendy Williams, was also a candidate to adopt Juniper’s baby. She accompanied Juniper to the hospital when she was in labour. However, Wendy then alleged that Juniper started sending her troubling messages and she cut ties with her.
Wendy reported Juniper to Child Protection Services (CPS), fearing for the safety of the infant, who was still in hospital with Juniper waiting “for the highest bidder,” reports Click 2 Houston, citing police.
“It was very heartbreaking, not just because we didn’t get a baby out of this, but because I think his safety is definitely above all,” Wendy said.
According to the media, Juniper revoked custody of the newborn and was placed under arrest on 31 October 2024. She has been charged with the sale or purchase of a child. Juniper had her bond initially set to $30,000, but has been increased to $60,000.
Juniper’s actions have also sparked discussions on the misuse of social media in adoption.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) Helpline on 1300 726 306 (Monday-Friday, 9 am-7.30 pm (AEST/AEDT); Saturday and public holidays, 9 am-4 pm (AEST/AEDT))
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
