UK Forced Adoption: MPs Demand Apology for Mothers & Adoptees

MPs Demand UK Government Apology for Historical Forced Adoptions

A cross-party group of Members of Parliament are urging the UK government to issue a formal and urgent apology for the state’s role in forced adoptions that occurred between 1949, and 1976. The call for an apology comes as many survivors of these practices are nearing the end of their lives, according to a report released today by the education select committee. The report emphasizes the need to correct the public record and alleviate the ongoing burdens experienced by both mothers and adoptees impacted by these historical events. The issue of UK government must urgently apologise for forced adoption has gained renewed attention, prompting calls for redress and acknowledgement of past wrongs.

The Scale of Forced Adoption in England and Wales

An estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers in England and Wales during the period between 1949 and 1976. This practice stemmed from a societal culture of shame surrounding pregnancies outside of marriage. The majority of mother and baby homes – where pregnant women were often sent to give birth – were run by religious organizations, with funding and placement support also coming from charities and local authorities. The education select committee’s report highlights how government decisions contributed to an environment where unmarried mothers were coerced into giving up their children for adoption.

What the Report Recommends

The MPs’ report doesn’t simply call for an apology; it outlines specific actions the government should take. Ministers are urged to provide an initial commitment to a formal apology and to initiate collaborating with survivor groups to determine the appropriate wording. Beyond the apology itself, the committee recommends improved access to adoption records, trauma-informed healthcare services for survivors, and ongoing consultation with the government to ensure their voices are heard. Officials said a senior government figure should deliver the apology to reflect the seriousness of the injustice.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: What’s Been Promised, and What Remains Outstanding

While the current government has expressed sympathy for those affected by forced adoption – a government spokesperson stated that the practice “should never have taken place” and offered “deepest sympathies” – a formal apology has not yet been issued. The children’s minister, Josh MacAlister, indicated the government is “actively considering” an apology, but no timeline or concrete plan has been announced. The question of financial compensation for survivors remains unresolved. Countries like Ireland and Australia have established compensation schemes following apologies for similar practices, but whether the UK will follow suit is currently unclear. Details were not provided regarding the specifics of any potential redress.

Historical Context: Apologies Elsewhere in the UK and Beyond

The call for a UK-wide apology follows similar actions taken by the Welsh and Scottish governments, which both formally apologized for forced adoption practices in 2023. The head of the Catholic church in England and Wales issued an apology in 2016. Internationally, Ireland and Australia have also offered apologies and established financial compensation schemes. This demonstrates a growing global recognition of the harm caused by these practices and a move towards acknowledging state responsibility. The Movement for an Adoption Apology (MAA) has been actively campaigning for a UK apology and even considered legal action due to the government’s lack of response, according to reports from earlier this year. Further information on the historical context can be found on the UK Parliament website.

Survivor Testimony: The Enduring Trauma of Forced Adoption

The education select committee’s report was informed by direct testimony from survivors of forced adoption. Helen Hayes MP, the committee chair, described hearing these experiences as “one of the most moving days” of her parliamentary career. Sally Ells, a cofounder of the Adult Adoptee Movement, shared her personal story, highlighting the “immense fear of rejection” that has followed her since being adopted in 1967. Survivors emphasize that the trauma of forced adoption is not simply a historical issue; it continues to impact their mental health and well-being today, with increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder reported among those affected. Ells stressed the need for an apology to correct the narrative that adopted individuals were “unwanted” and came from “unfit mothers.”

Criticism of Charities Involved

The report also leveled criticism at charities, specifically the Salvation Army and Barnardo’s, for their roles in facilitating forced adoptions. The committee found that their testimony “fell far short of acknowledging their roles” and, at times, appeared to justify past practices rather than accepting responsibility. Both organizations have since submitted written clarifications to the committee, but the report urges them to avoid “hiding behind historical societal norms.” These charities, along with numerous churches, collaborated with social services and health services to facilitate the placements of children for adoption.