Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard apologizes for forced adoption policy

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has formally apologized for the forced adoptions policy at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday.

In her statement Gillard apologised to the thousands of unmarried mothers who were forced to give up their children for adoption from the late-1950s to the 1970s.

“Tens of thousands of babies of unmarried, mostly teenage mothers, were thought to have been taken by the state and given to childless married couples. Many women said they were coerced into signing away their children. By saying sorry, we can correct the historical record. We can declare that these mothers did nothing wrong, that you loved your children and you always will,” Gillard said.

“Today this Parliament on behalf of the Australian people takes responsibility and apologizes for the policies and practices that forced the separation of mothers from their babies, which created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering,” the Australian Prime minister said.

“We acknowledge the profound effects of these policies and practices on fathers and we recognize the hurt these actions caused to brothers and sisters, grandparents, partners and extended family members,” she added.

“We deplore the shameful practices that denied you, the mothers, your fundamental rights and responsibilities to love and care for your children,” Gillard said.

Australian Senate committee report in February 2012 suggested that Australia should apologize to its citizens for the faulty policy.

Julia Gillard also approved $5 million in support services for victims.

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