Ann Keen

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, formally apologized for the state’s role in coercing unwed mothers into giving up their babies for adoption between 1949 and 1976. The apology acknowledged systemic practices that led to the separation of an estimated 185,000 children from their mothers and included commitments to support affected individuals.

The UK government formally apologized for its role in separating unmarried mothers from their babies through coercive adoption practices between 1949 and 1976, affecting an estimated 185,000 children. The apology followed years of advocacy by survivors and parliamentary inquiries into historical state and institutional practices that stigmatized unwed mothers.

The UK government will formally apologize for its role in separating unmarried mothers from their babies through forced adoptions, a practice lasting decades until the 1970s. The apology, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, acknowledges state involvement in institutionalizing shame and stigma against unwed mothers.