1776Reporting
In a shocking case unfolding in Houston, Texas, 21-year-old Juniper Bryson faces serious allegations of trying to sell her newborn child on Facebook. Just days before giving birth, Bryson reportedly began communicating with potential adopters, demanding an upfront payment to ensure the child would go to the highest bidder. The incident, detailed in a probable cause affidavit, has raised serious legal and ethical questions surrounding Bryson’s actions and her understanding of the law.
Bryson’s journey to this controversy began on September 22 when she posted in a Facebook group titled Birthing mothers looking for adoptive parent(s), seeking someone willing to adopt her unborn child. She explained that she was in “a lot of pain and contracting,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The post immediately raised alarms, especially given her request for compensation.
Houston Police became involved on September 23, alerted by a family member who initially tried to assist Bryson but quickly realized the situation was spiraling into something far more troubling. According to police, the relative shared that Bryson repeatedly stated that anyone adopting the baby would have to “compensate” her. This demand, as the relative told Bryson, constitutes human trafficking. In response, Bryson allegedly attempted to justify her actions by claiming it was a form of “surrogacy,” saying she needed money “just enough to move into an apartment,” and perhaps buy “a cheap down payment, or any car to get to different places to DoorDash.”
The relative, alarmed and unable to assist further, posted a warning on Facebook, distancing herself from Bryson’s request for payment.
After giving birth on September 24, Bryson reportedly remained at the hospital with her newborn, waiting for interested adopters willing to meet her conditions. Investigators later discovered multiple messages on her phone, revealing that she contacted several potential adoptive parents who responded to the Facebook post. One prospective parent, a same-sex couple from Louisiana, claims that Bryson urged them to meet her at the hospital and demanded a $150 payment upfront, insisting, “I’m not waiting to get paid until after [giving birth].” According to the affidavit, three hours into their trip, Bryson allegedly intensified her demand for money. When the couple suggested handling the adoption through a lawyer, she abruptly declined, asking for cash directly and ultimately blocking them when they hesitated.
The affidavit further reveals that Bryson had approached at least seven potential parents, each of whom she discussed financial arrangements with before they considered adoption. Frustrated by one conversation, she allegedly remarked, “If her baby wasn’t worth $200 to them, then screw ya’ll.”
Houston authorities eventually arrested Bryson, charging her with one count of felony sale or purchase of a child. She remains in Harris County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Child welfare authorities from the Texas Department of Family Services declined to comment on specifics but stressed the department’s standard protocol: “In every case where a child comes into the state’s care, family members or friends are considered first for placement. Ultimately, the decision of where a child is placed is up to the court.” Bryson is expected to appear in court on November 7, where her case will continue to unfold.
This troubling story not only sheds light on the complex, often desperate decisions some individuals face but also raises essential discussions on legal adoption practices and the risks of turning to social media for such life-altering arrangements. The outcome of Bryson’s case could further clarify Texas’s approach to protecting children and ensuring ethical adoption practices.
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