Key facts
- Scotland's first minister issued a formal apology for forced adoptions.
- The Salvation Army also apologized for its role in the practice.
- The documentary 'Stolen Babies' details the experiences of women forced to give up newborns.
- An estimated 250,000 women were affected between 1949 and 1976.
- Victims reported being treated as unworthy and denied basic care.
Marion McMillan was 17 and pregnant when she was sent to a Salvation Army maternity home in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1966. She spent nine months with her baby boy before he was taken from her, despite her pleas to keep him. Her story is featured in the new BBC documentary 'Stolen Babies,' which details the experiences of approximately 250,000 women who were forced to hand over their newborns for adoption between 1949 and 1976.
These women, often working-class and unmarried, were powerless against a system involving state, social workers, and religious organizations. Ann Keen, another woman featured in the documentary, recounted being denied pain relief during labor and being told she was immoral and unworthy of help. Joan Chambers, who was raped at 14, had her baby taken three weeks before Christmas and was told to prepare the cot for the next baby.
Scotland's first minister has formally apologized for the cruel and unjust practice, stating the shame lies with the institutions, not the mothers. The Salvation Army has also issued a profound apology, expressing deep shame for the lack of help provided to vulnerable young women in their mother and baby homes.