The Church of England has issued a "profound apology" to birth mothers and children affected by historical forced adoptions, acknowledging its role in running mother and baby homes between 1949 and 1976 where women were pressured to give up their babies. The apology follows a government confirmation of a state apology for the practice.
The Church of England has issued a long-awaited apology for its role in forced adoptions of children from unmarried mothers between the 1940s-1980s. Survivors recount abuse and trauma, with the church acknowledging prejudice and inadequate choices for mothers. While survivors call for redress, the church states its apology follows research into its involvement in hundreds of institutions.
The UK government will issue a full apology for historical forced adoptions in England, where an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from mothers post-WWII. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed the apology, calling it a "shameful period".
The UK government will issue a full state apology to those affected by historical forced adoptions in England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed the apology, calling it a "shameful period" in UK history, with the Prime Minister expected to make further statements.
