UK Government to Apologize for Forced Adoption Practices
Sir Keir Starmer will issue a formal apology on behalf of the British government for its involvement in the historical forced adoption practices in England and Wales.
It is estimated that around 185,000 babies were taken from their mothers during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Many women, particularly those who were unmarried, were pressured into relinquishing their children.
This apology follows years of advocacy by mothers, adoptees, and their families. Campaigners are scheduled to meet the prime minister at Downing Street prior to his address to the House of Commons later on Thursday.
Parliamentary Inquiry and Recommendations
In March, a parliamentary inquiry urged the government to promptly apologize for the state's role in these practices. The report, produced by the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), concluded that government policies contributed to an environment where unmarried mothers were often shamed and coerced into placing their children for adoption.
The inquiry recommended enhanced access to adoption records and increased support for individuals seeking to contact or reunite with family members. While it did not advocate for financial compensation, it called on the government to thoroughly evaluate how other nations, including Australia, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, have addressed historical forced adoption.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed two weeks prior that an official apology from the UK government was forthcoming.
"The prime minister will have more to say on this shameful period in our history, reflecting the gravity of what has happened," she said.
Apologies Across the UK
This forthcoming apology will come three years after the devolved administrations in Cardiff and Holyrood issued apologies to victims of forced adoption in Wales and Scotland.
An apology is also anticipated in Northern Ireland, although it will follow the conclusion of a public inquiry. This inquiry was initiated after a 2021 report examined mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries, and workhouses.
Previous BBC investigations into forced adoption contributed to the establishment of the parliamentary inquiry.
Personal Accounts from Victims
Gaynor Weatherly, whose mother was 16 when she gave birth in 1963, shared with the BBC in 2021 that despite finding happiness through her own family, she felt deprived of a different life.
"I felt cheated out of a different life," she said.
Diana Defries, who was also 16 when she became pregnant, had her baby taken from her immediately after birth.
"I yelled to bring her back, but the nurse then just walked past me and put my daughter on a table out of my reach," she recounted to the BBC in 2021.
State and Institutional Roles
The JCHR report also identified that charities and religious institutions facilitated the state's policies, including operating mother and baby homes.
In June, the Church of England issued a formal apology for its involvement in forced adoptions.
Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally expressed, "Victims experienced pain and trauma and suffering and fear when you should have received care and compassion."
She added, "You have nothing to be ashamed of. The shame is ours."
