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Scotland’s Leader Apologizes for Past Practice of Forced Adoptions Scotland’s Leader Apologizes for Past Practice of Forced Adoptions
(1 day later)
Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of Scotland’s government, apologized on Wednesday for the country’s practice of forcing tens of thousands of unmarried women to give up their babies for adoption from the 1940s until the 1970s.Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of Scotland’s government, apologized on Wednesday for the country’s practice of forcing tens of thousands of unmarried women to give up their babies for adoption from the 1940s until the 1970s.
Ms. Sturgeon said the injustices carried out against these women, who were stigmatized because they were young and unmarried, were among the worst in Scotland’s history.Ms. Sturgeon said the injustices carried out against these women, who were stigmatized because they were young and unmarried, were among the worst in Scotland’s history.
“No words could ever make up what has happened to you, but I hope this apology can bring you some measure of solace,” she said, appearing to hold back tears, in a speech at the Scottish Parliament that was one of her final acts as leader. “It is the very least that you deserve, and it is long overdue.”“No words could ever make up what has happened to you, but I hope this apology can bring you some measure of solace,” she said, appearing to hold back tears, in a speech at the Scottish Parliament that was one of her final acts as leader. “It is the very least that you deserve, and it is long overdue.”
Ms. Sturgeon announced last month that she would step down as Scotland’s first minister. Her successor is set to be announced next week.Ms. Sturgeon announced last month that she would step down as Scotland’s first minister. Her successor is set to be announced next week.
From the 1940s to the ’70s, thousands of unmarried, pregnant women in countries including Australia, Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States were sent by their families, social workers, health workers or religious workers to live in religious institutions and give birth in secret, a relatively common practice.
Mothers were coerced to give up their babies for adoption to families and were frequently lied to about the adoption process. They were often told that they would be selfish to keep their babies and deny them a better life.