Research by Cambridge Public Health Co-Director Professor Gordon Harold has contributed to the evidence behind a UK Government commitment to issue an apology to people affected by historic forced adoption practices.
Professor Harold gave evidence to the Education Committee’s inquiry into historical forced adoption, which examined the experiences of unmarried mothers and children separated through adoption between 1949 and 1976.
The Committee’s report concluded that government policy decisions, funding arrangements and legislation helped create the conditions in which many unmarried mothers were denied meaningful choice and were coerced into giving up their children for adoption.
Reflecting on the Government’s apology, Professor Harold said:
“An apology marks the beginning, not the end, of a process. It is an acknowledgement of responsibility and an opportunity for those affected to begin addressing the shame and trauma associated with these practices.”
The inquiry drew on research led by Professor Harold and colleagues exploring the long-term impacts of forced adoption on mothers, adopted people and wider families.