he Government formally apologize to unmarried women who were “tracked” into unwanted adoptions between the 1950s and 1970s, MPs and peers have said.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights said it recognizes mothers and their children “have been seriously wronged” who are “still living with the legacy of suffering”.
Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 185,000 children were taken from unwed mothers and adopted England and Wales.
Women and girls who conceived out of wedlock were seen as self-disgraceful, and in many cases families and institutions such as schools and churches sent mothers away from home to hide their pregnancy.
In a new report, the commission said the government bears “ultimate responsibility for the pain and suffering caused by public institutions and state employees who incited mothers into unwanted adoptions.”
The mothers had to endure a cruel double dose of shame. Firstly, the shame of getting pregnant out of wedlock and secondly, as society’s attitudes toward unwed mothers changed, they were condemned for supposedly not caring about their babies and giving their babies away.
Commission President and Labor MP Harriet Harman said the bond between mothers and babies has been “brutally severed” over the past three decades and the adoptions “shouldn’t have happened.”
She said: “The only ‘crime’ of the mothers was to conceive unmarried. Their ‘meaning’ was a life of secrecy and pain.
“They were told they had ‘gave’ their baby up for adoption when they hadn’t. Their child grew up and was told that their mother had “given them away.”
“The mothers had to endure a cruel double dose of shame. First, the shame of conceiving out of wedlock, and second, as society’s attitudes toward unwed mothers changed, they were condemned for supposedly not caring about their babies and giving their babies away.”
Ms Harman said the commission recognizes the “serious injustice” done to mothers and their children, adding: “It is time for the government to do the same and offer the apology they seek.
“They have been vilified for decades. Now they have to be vindicated.”
As part of the commission’s investigation, women shared personal testimonials about their experiences.
While we can’t undo the past, we’ve strengthened our law and practice to build on empathy…
One woman said she was sent away from her family when she was 15 to have a baby “scarred for my life”.
Another woman said she was persuaded by a social worker that “there really was no alternative but to have my baby adopted”.
The commission’s report calls for increased support and specialist guidance for people affected by the practices, and for the government to make it easier for those trying to trace their mother or child.
It calls for better access to records, linking birth and adoption certificates to facilitate detection, and better exchange of medical information.
The government said it would carefully consider the commission’s findings.
A government spokeswoman said: “We have the deepest condolences to all those affected by historic forced adoption.
“While we cannot undo the past, we have strengthened our legislation and practice to build on empathy, from NHS maternity care for vulnerable women and babies, to our work to transform the adoption process and care system to help children move into stable to establish houses.
“Help is available for those affected by past adoption practices, including in tracing their biological children or parents.”