UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has formally apologised for the British state's role in past forced adoptions, saying "the shame is ours" and offering a deep and profound apology after decades of campaigning by affected mothers and children. The historic apology, delivered in the House of Commons, marks a pivotal moment in recognising the systemic failures that led to the separation of an estimated 185,000 birth mothers and children in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976.
Speaking while affected mothers watched from the public gallery, Starmer declared: "The shame was never yours. The shame is ours. You should not have had to fight so hard for this day to come." The apology acknowledges that thousands of women were coerced into giving up their children due to stigma about pregnancy outside marriage, often cut off from their families and subjected to harsh, isolated conditions, exploitation, and abuse.
What Were Forced Adoptions?
Forced adoptions refer to the systematic practice where unmarried mothers were pressured or coerced into surrendering their babies for adoption. This practice was widespread between 1949 and 1976, driven by societal shame and institutional policies that deemed single motherhood unacceptable. Many women were told their children would be better off with married couples, while adoptees often grew up believing they had been unwanted.
The state funded and legitimised these practices, creating a system that denied access to records and medical history, leaving lifelong trauma for both mothers and their children. The Adult Adoptee Movement called the apology "a fundamental correction of the narrative on historic adoption practices."
Government Commitments Beyond the Apology
Starmer acknowledged that an apology alone is not enough. The government has pledged £4 million in funding to help people access their adoption records, reconnect with biological family members, and create testimonial projects documenting the long-term effects on people's lives. Additional commitments include:
- Improved access to mental health support for affected individuals and families
- Creation of a lived experience reference group to review progress of government commitments
- Funding for testimonial projects to preserve the stories of those impacted
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated: "The pain carried by mothers, adopted children and their families who suffered this appalling injustice is unimaginable. Today, on behalf of the British state, we say with one voice: this was wrong, and we are sorry."
Why This Apology Matters
Campaigners have been calling for a formal state apology for decades. The forced adoption scandal represents one of the UK's most significant social injustices, where the state actively participated in breaking apart families. The apology is seen as a crucial step toward healing, though many emphasise that actions must follow words. The Adult Adoptee Movement stressed: "The measure of this apology will not be the words spoken today, but the actions taken tomorrow."
This recognition of state responsibility sets a precedent for how governments can address historical wrongs. It also highlights the ongoing need for support services for those still dealing with the consequences of being separated from their biological families.
FAQ: Forced Adoptions in the UK
What exactly were forced adoptions in the UK?
Forced adoptions were a systemic practice between 1949 and 1976 where unmarried mothers were coerced or pressured into surrendering their babies for adoption. The state and social services actively facilitated these separations, often without the mother's full informed consent, due to societal stigma around illegitimacy.
How many people were affected by forced adoptions?
An estimated 185,000 birth mothers and children in England and Wales were affected by forced adoptions during the period from 1949 to 1976. This number does not include those affected in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where similar practices occurred.
What support is the government providing now?
The government has committed £4 million to help people access adoption records, reconnect with biological family members, and fund testimonial projects. They are also improving access to mental health support and creating a lived experience reference group to oversee progress.
