Vatican sent children born out of wedlock to America as orphans for adoption
Summary
From 1950 to 1970, the Vatican sent about 3,500 Italian children, many born to unmarried mothers, to the United States as orphans for adoption, even though most were not true orphans. These mothers often did not consent and were unaware their children had been sent abroad, leading to lifelong search efforts by adoptees and birth parents.Key Facts
- Between 1950 and 1970, the Vatican arranged for around 3,500 Italian children to be adopted in the U.S. under an orphan visa program.
- Many of these children had living mothers who were unmarried and forced to give up their babies.
- Mothers were often not informed or did not consent to their children being adopted or sent overseas.
- A 1950 U.S. law expanded the definition of "orphan" to include children with one parent who could not provide care, enabling the program.
- Birth records were altered to list children as abandoned, making adoption easier.
- Mothers like Francesca, who placed her child in a Catholic institution temporarily, never agreed to permanent adoption.
- Thousands of American adoptees continue to search for their biological families.
- The Vatican and Catholic Church have faced criticism for their role in these forced and secretive adoptions.
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