As the government confirmed it will issue a ‘full apology’ to victims of the forced adoption scandal, ITV News Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker asked one survivor what the move means to her
The government will make a “full apology” to those affected by historic forced adoption in England, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said.
The announcement comes after an ongoing ITV News investigation laid bare the trauma and neglect faced by both mothers and their children, now adults, many of whom are still searching for answers or have since died.
Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 250,000 pregnant women and girls were sent away to “prison-like” homes run by the church and state and had their babies put up for adoption. Other infants died due to mistreatment or poor care.
Phillipson told the Education Committee on Wednesday that the historical practice was a “shameful period” in the country’s history.
Administrations in Cardiff and Holyrood have previously apologised to people affected, but campaigners have long called for an apology from the Westminster government.
ITV News’ year-long investigation into Britain’s silent scandal revealed hundreds of unmarked graves of babies born in state and church-run homes across England, with allegations that sick or premature children were left to die as they weren’t deemed “desirable” for adoption.
Women claim their suffering, shame and trauma have been ignored by successive governments.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on the government to issue a formal apology for the state’s role in the “terrible tragedy” of historic forced adoptions, in an exclusive interview with ITV News last year.
In March, Sir Keir Starmer told ITV News his “instinct” is to issue a government apology for the state’s role in the forced adoption scandal.
Phillipson told the Education Committee on Wednesday: “This government will very soon be making a full apology on behalf of the state to all of those affected by historic forced adoption in England.
“The prime minister will have more to say on this shameful period in our history, reflecting the gravity of what has happened.
“But here and now, let me say to all of those affected, you will get the apology that you so profoundly deserve.”
In 2021, an inquiry by the Joint Committee of Human Rights concluded that the State bore ultimate responsibility for the suffering inflicted on vulnerable women and their children, calling on the government to issue an official apology.
Other countries where forced adoption took place, including Canada, Australia, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, have already issued a formal government apology, and in some cases set up redress schemes.
Last year, women whose children were taken from them, as well as adoptees, gathered outside parliament, urging action.
Women whose children were taken from them, as well as adoptees, appeared in front of a cross-party committee of MPs earlier this year to speak about the lifelong trauma they had been left with as a result of what happened to them.
Ann Keen, a former Labour MP and nurse, whose only child was taken from her in 1966, told the Education Committee in March this year that she had “no dignity” or say over what happened to her at a mother and baby institution in Swansea.
When asked by MPs why an apology matters, Ms Keen said “it would mean the world” to her because “I still blame myself”.
“I want this apology to clear not only my name, but that of my son, because I did not give him away,” she added. “My son did not know he was adopted until he was 27 years old.”
If you have been affected by the issues in this article, please visit the links for help and support:
- Movement for Adoption Apology – provides information on forced and coerced adoption in the UK and around the globe
- Adult Adoptee Movement – provides information and support for adult adoptees around the UK
- PAC UK – Specialist therapy, advice, support, counselling and training for all affected by adoption and permanency
- The Diocese of Winchester has issued an appeal for information, find out more on their website here
- Safe Spaces – an independent service offering confidential support to survivors of Church-related abuse on 0300 303 1056 or on their website
- Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone 116 123 (a free 24-hour helpline)
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