Forced adoption survivors to get full apology from UK government, says Phillipson
UK Government to Apologize to Forced Adoption Survivors, Says Phillipson
Forced adoption survivors to get full apology - Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that the UK government will issue a comprehensive acknowledgment to those affected by historical forced adoption practices in England. This pledge was revealed during a meeting with MPs on the education select committee, where she labeled the era as “a shameful period” and affirmed that survivors deserve recognition of the lasting emotional and social damage caused. While the prime minister is set to elaborate on the initiative, Phillipson emphasized that the apology will be a formal statement addressing the systemic nature of the issue.
Committee Advocates for Public Accountability
Phillipson’s remarks followed a 2023 report by the education select committee, which urged the government to formally apologize for the injustices faced by mothers and adoptees. The committee argued that such a move would not only correct past wrongs but also provide validation to those who endured profound loss of identity and autonomy. Advocates are now pushing for the apology to be paired with tangible measures, including improved access to adoption records and mental health services tailored to survivors’ needs.
Historical records indicate that between 1949 and 1976, approximately 185,000 children were taken from unmarried mothers through state-run adoption programs. These initiatives often involved religious institutions and local authorities, with the aim of placing infants with adoptive families. The process was driven by societal pressures and the stigma associated with unwed pregnancy, leaving many mothers with little choice but to surrender their children. The apology is seen as a critical step in addressing this legacy of institutional control.
Regional and Institutional Apologies Begin
While the UK government prepares for a national acknowledgment, other regions and organizations have already taken action. In 2023, Wales and Scotland issued formal apologies for their roles in coercive adoption practices, offering a model for England. Similarly, the Catholic Church in England and Wales expressed regret in 2016 for its historical involvement in shaping adoption policies. These regional efforts highlight the growing demand for accountability across institutions.
Internationally, countries like Ireland and Australia have established financial redress programs after apologizing for their past practices. These measures aim to compensate survivors for emotional and economic damages. However, advocates argue that monetary support alone is not enough without a full apology that acknowledges the government’s systemic responsibility. The UK’s upcoming statement is expected to set a precedent for comprehensive reconciliation.
Survivors Call for Comprehensive Redress
"We hope the apology will be meaningful and provide redress for all survivors. There have been lifelong impacts for all of us," said Sally Ells, a co-founder of the Adult Adoptee Movement. Ells explained how adoptees often faced the erasure of their identities, with medical and family histories deliberately hidden to obscure their origins. She stressed the need for better access to adoption records and dedicated mental health resources for those still dealing with the aftermath.
Diana Defries, chair of the Movement for an Adoption Apology, added that the apology must be structured to reflect true accountability. “Any apology has to have the right structure. It’s about taking responsibility, acknowledging harm, and being willing to do something about it,” she said. Defries, who experienced forced adoption at age 16, pointed out that financial compensation can’t fully repair the emotional scars. “No amount of money will fix what happened to me and the mess I was left in afterwards,” she emphasized, urging the government to prioritize long-term support.
Emily Frith, CEO of Adoption UK, noted that the apology marks a long-overdue acknowledgment of decades of advocacy. “This is a critical step, but an apology without action is not enough,” she warned. Frith highlighted ongoing challenges survivors face, such as difficulty in tracing birth relatives and accessing therapy. She called for ministers to actively engage with adoptees in shaping future policies that address these issues comprehensively.