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In a historic moment for those affected by forced adoptions in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently delivered a formal apology acknowledging the pain endured by countless mothers and adoptees from 1949 to 1976. While the apology has been welcomed by campaigners as a significant step forward, many are insisting that it must be accompanied by tangible support measures to address the long-lasting trauma associated with these experiences.
A Moment of Acknowledgment
For many, the Prime Minister’s words were both emotional and validating. Among those present was Ann Keen, a former Labour MP who recounted the harrowing day in 1966 when she had to inform her father of her pregnancy. “It was the worst thing that could ever have been said to him. I was told I’d put shame on the family and I must be sent away,” she recalled. Keen spent time in an unmarried mother’s home, where she faced relentless punishment and humiliation, including being denied pain relief during childbirth.
After just eight days with her son, Keen was informed that she could no longer keep him. “They were concerned I was getting too close to him,” she said, reflecting on the painful separation that would last for 27 years. This emotional turmoil is not unique; it resonates deeply with many who have endured similar fates.
The Fight for Recognition and Support
Debbie Iromlou, co-founder of the Adult Adoptee Movement, shared her own traumatic journey. Born in 1968 and placed in foster care, she spent decades searching for her birth parents, only to face obstacles accessing her own identity. “Having to fight for our records is a huge shame, our own identity shouldn’t be withheld from us,” Iromlou said, highlighting the critical need for access to medical histories, which could have dire consequences for adoptees and their children.
The emotional weight of the Prime Minister’s apology was not lost on Iromlou, who described it as “validating.” However, she stressed that words alone are insufficient. “The apology must come with a package of mental health support,” she insisted, noting that many adult adoptees, including herself, suffer from complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mental Health: The Missing Piece
Vik Fielder’s experience underscores the urgent need for mental health services. Her mother was forced to give her up for adoption in 1971, and she was discouraged from seeking out her mother by social workers. “They tried to keep us apart, even after we were old enough to go looking for each other,” Fielder explained, pointing to the cruel and isolating nature of the system.
Fielder has faced significant mental health challenges, including a nervous breakdown and suicide attempts, yet her struggles were never linked to her adoption experience by the professionals she encountered. “Adult adoptees are significantly more likely to attempt suicide,” she stated, calling for greater awareness and support for mental health issues stemming from forced adoptions.
A Call to Action
Diana Defries, chair of the Movement for an Adoption Apology, expressed her relief at the government’s acknowledgment of past wrongs. “It was extraordinary, not least because I felt that at long last we’ve been heard,” she said, emphasising the need for action beyond mere words. “Without the measures to go with the words, the words become meaningless,” she cautioned, echoing the sentiments of many in the room who have waited far too long for recognition and remedy.
Why it Matters
The Prime Minister’s apology represents a crucial step towards healing for those impacted by forced adoptions, but it is only the beginning. The continued call for mental health support is a recognition that the scars of such experiences often run deep. Addressing these needs is not just a matter of justice; it is a fundamental human right that can pave the way for healing and reconciliation. With the right support, those affected can begin to reclaim their identities and move towards a brighter future.
