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UK Government to Apologize for Forced Adoptions, 185,000 Affected

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK government pledged a formal apology for forced adoptions of unmarried mothers’ children in England and Wales.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the state will issue a full apology to affected survivors.
Between 1949 and 1976 an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers for adoption.
Select committees urged an apology, record access and support, noting that Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Australia have apologized and compensated survivors.

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Story summary

The UK government pledged a formal apology for forced adoptions of unmarried mothers’ children in England and Wales.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the state will issue a full apology to affected survivors.
Between 1949 and 1976 an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers for adoption.
Select committees urged an apology, record access and support, noting that Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Australia have apologized and compensated survivors.