An independent inquiry has been announced into the forced adoption scandal in England and Wales, where babies were stolen from mothers and given up for adoption without consent. The probe will investigate historical cases and seek to provide answers for victims who have campaigned for years.
Scope of the Investigation
The inquiry will look into allegations that, from the 1950s to the 1970s, unmarried mothers were pressured into giving up their babies, often through deception or coercion. It will examine how these practices were allowed to continue and whether there were systemic failures by authorities.
Victims' Campaigns and Government Response
Campaigners, including groups representing affected families, have long demanded an official investigation. The announcement follows years of lobbying and public pressure, with many victims describing lifelong trauma and the difficulty of tracing their birth families.
Next Steps
The inquiry will begin its work in the coming months, with a focus on gathering evidence from survivors and reviewing documents from the period. It is expected to make recommendations to prevent such practices in the future.
