Lawyer calls for compensation after apology
Patrick McGuire, a senior partner with Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, said the Prime Minister's apology must be followed by a compensation scheme and long-term support for victims, similar to provisions for those affected by infected blood. He stated: "We need to see proper help and support put in place for victims, along the lines of provisions that were put in place for those affected by infected blood. That means a proper scheme for medical and psychological support and a proper financial compensation scheme."
Campaigner describes lifelong trauma
Campaigner Marion McMillan, who lost her first-born son to forced adoption at age 17, described the systematic coercion of unmarried mothers. Speaking on BBC's Radio Scotland Breakfast programme, she said: "We were like lambs to the slaughter. We had no voice, and we just did as we were told." She highlighted the lifelong psychological impact, stating: "The trauma is there constantly. You feel utterly worthless and you're absolutely broken."
Starmer's apology in Parliament
On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer apologised in the House of Commons, describing forced adoption as "a stain on our history." He said mothers had been "coerced, bullied, or misled into feeling that they had no choice" but to give up their children, and told victims: "The shame was never yours, the shame is ours."
Extent of forced adoptions
It is estimated around 60,000 unmarried women in Scotland were forced to give up their babies for adoption in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, while approximately 185,000 babies of unmarried mothers were adopted in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976.
Scottish Government's response
A Scottish Government spokesperson outlined actions taken since their 2023 apology, including £200,000 over five years for Health in Mind to provide trauma-informed peer support and counselling, and £270,000 to Birthlink over the past two years for adoption contact register and intermediary services. The spokesperson said: "Throughout our engagement, people with lived experience have consistently highlighted the importance of recognition of the harm caused, access to records, support for recovery and assistance with family tracing and reunions."
UK Government approached for comment
The UK Government has been approached for comment on whether it will consider compensation for victims in England and Wales.
