Exhibition on forced adoption prompts outpouring from women moved by loss
The trauma of separation from their babies faced by 19th century unmarried mothers is still raw in responses to the Foundling Museum’s forthcoming show. Donations to fund an exhibition on unmarried women who were forced to give away their babies – dubbed “fallen women” in the 19th century – have been accompanied by poignant comments that show how deep the …
Cruelty That Left Me With a Lifetime of Guilt
When we revealed the agony of mothers made to give up their babies, the response from readers was huge – and heartbreaking. Susan Smith, 61, Lancaster The stigma and devastation still haunt me, at the age of 61. I was 13 when I got pregnant in 1967, and my boyfriend was 14. Neither of us had any idea what we’d …
Americans adopted out of Ireland will be able to find out their birth parents
New legislation being drawn up by the Irish Government will see as many as 50,000 adopted people gain the right to their birth certificate. The Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill is the first of its kind and will be discussed at this week’s cabinet meeting. It is expected to operate both retrospectively and for all future adoptions. Due to legal …
