British government apologises for forced adoptions of 185,000 babies

The British government issued a formal apology for its role in the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 babies from unmarried mothers in England and Wales during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The statement was delivered in the House of Commons. It described the practices as a "stain on our history" and said the shame belonged to the state, not the mothers.

Background to the apology Mothers were pressured, coerced or misled by local authorities, religious organisations and parts of what is now the NHS into giving up their children. A parliamentary inquiry in March recommended an urgent apology and called for better access to adoption records.

Campaign groups had pressed for recognition of the lifelong trauma experienced by mothers and adoptees. The Church of England issued its own apology in June.

Reactions and next steps Some birth mothers and adoptees watching from the public gallery wiped away tears or clapped during the statement. A Conservative shadow minister agreed the practices left a permanent mark on those affected. The Department of Education will establish support groups for mothers and adopted adults.

An apology in Northern Ireland is expected after a public inquiry concludes. >"The shame is not yours. The shame was never yours.