Chilean Families Reunite After Decades Through Child Trafficking Probe

María Hastings, who lives in Tampa, FL, embraces for first time her biological mother upon her arrival to the airport in Santiago, Chile, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. Hasting trip was organized by Connectin

An inspiring story of family reunions and emotional discoveries unfolds as victims of a child abduction network in Chile are reunited with their biological families after decades of separation. Among those reunited is Romina Cortés, who recently discovered the existence of her sister, Maria Hastings, who was trafficked or unlawfully put up for adoption during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Cortés' mother, a vulnerable woman from the countryside, was coerced into giving up her baby for adoption due to her illiteracy and lack of support. Decades later, Cortés was surprised to discover a long-lost sister through Connecting Roots, an organization dedicated to reuniting trafficked children with their families.

Maria Hastings, raised in the United States, also found out she was part of the child abduction network and embarked on a journey to connect with her true identity. Upon meeting her biological family in Chile, emotions ran high as she embraced her new relatives, including a mother who had long awaited this reunion.

Romina Cortés meets sister María after decades of separation due to child abduction

Thousands of Chilean children illegally trafficked or adopted over 60 years

Chilean justice investigating 20,000 illegal adoptions, predominantly during Pinochet's dictatorship

Poor, young, vulnerable women coerced into giving up children, told they died after birth

Ben Frutcher, another victim of the trafficking network, reunited with his siblings and extended family, marking a poignant moment of connection after years of separation. With the support of Connecting Roots, these individuals are piecing together their pasts and rediscovering their roots in a powerful display of resilience and hope.

As the scope of the child abduction network is revealed, organizations like Connecting Roots continue their efforts to reunite families torn apart by the illicit practices that plagued Chile for decades. Through collaborative initiatives and the tireless dedication of individuals like firefighter Tyler Graf, more families are finding closure and rebuilding relationships that were once lost to them.

The personal stories of Romina Cortés, Maria Hastings, Ben Frutcher, and others underscore the enduring impact of past injustices and the healing power of reconnection. In the face of adversity, these individuals are forging new bonds and reclaiming their identities, shedding light on a dark chapter in Chile’s history while embracing a brighter future filled with long-awaited reunions and newfound love.