Summary
The Church of England plans to apologize for its role in historical forced adoptions, where unmarried women were pressured into giving up their babies. These adoptions occurred after World War II when societal views frowned upon unmarried mothers. The apology comes after investigations highlighted the involvements and impact these practices had on many women and children.
Key Facts
- The Church of England will issue an apology for its involvement in forced adoptions post-World War II.
- Forced adoptions involved taking babies from unmarried mothers.
- The Church operated around 100 mother and baby homes across England.
- Between 1949 and 1976, around 185,000 babies were part of forced adoptions in England and Wales.
- Not all of these homes were run by the Church of England; other organizations also managed such homes.
- The Church's apology draft acknowledges the harm caused and expresses deep regret.
- The UK government has not issued a formal apology, although the role of the state in these actions is recognized.
- The apology by the Church of England may pressure the UK government to also formally apologize.
