Movement for an Adoption Apology

Updated 3rd July, 2026

Since MAA was established in 2010 we have sought recognition and acknowledgement of the pain and grief suffered by many first parents and their now adult children as a result of unethical forced family separation and forced adoption practices of the past.

For decades, from the Second World War until the mid 1980s, pregnancy outside marriage was regarded as a moral failure – a transgression – by young mothers (only the mothers were punished). Young, unmarried, pregnant women and girls had very little choice. Under duress and at the insistence of those who made decisions in their young lives, they were isolated and made to suffer in various ways and their babies were taken for adoption, children who were not adopted often languished in care. Mothers were denied information about welfare services available at the time, including housing and financial support.

There was no question of these women being found to be unfit mothers; they were simply prevented from becoming mothers at all.

These experiences traumatised many women, resulting in years, in some cases a lifetime of mental and/or physical ill health. Many were unable to have more children.
In some instances, despite wishing to remain involved, the fathers were refused a say in their child’s future – because the child was classified as illegitimate. These fathers also became unwilling parties to these adoptions.

The lasting impact on our children was not considered when they were babies. Now they are adults they are telling the world what being adopted means for them. Adopted people face many difficulties, as a direct result of what was done to them, often during the first few days or weeks after birth.

Following a Parliamentary Inquiry in 2021/2022, which produced a damning report entitled “The Violation of Family Life”, a series of evidence gathering sessions were held by the Education Select Committee, at which representatives of MAA and AAM (Adult Adoptee Movement) gave evidence.
The stellar work done by both bodies has helped to bring about profound change.

We are relieved and pleased that, on Thursday 2nd July, 2026, Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer issued a formal apology in the House of Commons on behalf of the nation.

The Labour Government has done the right thing by apologising, we now look to them to implement the measures set out in the Apology Statement so that that everyone who has been traumatised by these experiences will receive the help and support they need.

There is still much to do.
We will not rest until it is done