Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl

This Radiolab podcast episode delves into the complex legal and emotional battle surrounding the case of "Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl," exploring the intricacies of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978. The narrative follows the story of Veronica, a young girl of Cherokee descent, who was initially adopted by a white couple, the Capobiancos, but later became the subject of a custody dispute when her biological father, Dustin Brown, a Cherokee Nation member, sought to invoke ICWA to regain custody. The podcast traces the history and intent of ICWA, designed to prevent the breakup of Native American families and preserve tribal culture, while also examining the arguments against its application in this specific case, which some view as prioritizing tribal interests over the child's well-being and the rights of adoptive parents. The episode further explores the potential ramifications of the Supreme Court's ruling on ICWA, including its implications for tribal sovereignty and the future of federal Indian law, ultimately highlighting the deeply personal and far-reaching consequences of this legal battle.