Committees

Historical Forced Adoption

Non-inquiry session

In July 2022, the Joint Committee on Human Rights (the JCHR) published its report The Violation of Family Life: Adoption of Children of Unmarried Women 1949–1976 which examined the adoption practices in England and Wales during that time. In its report, the JCHR made a series of recommendations, including on access to adoption records, the sharing of medical information, complaint mechanisms, and notification processes for birth mothers. The Committee also called for an apology by the Government and official recognition that what happened to these mothers and their children was wrong.

Following on from the work of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, the Education Committee will hear oral evidence to examine these historical practices and their enduring consequences. The Education Committee will revisit the evidence, scrutinise the Government’s response, and consider what further action, including access to records, redress, and formal recognition, may now be required.

Upcoming events

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Past events

Tuesday 10 March 2026
10:00am Public
Historical Forced Adoption - Oral evidence 10 March 2026
10:00am
  • Diana Defries (Chair at Movement for an Adoption Apology)
  • Ann Lloyd Keen (Trustee at Movement for an Adoption Apology)
  • Sally Ells (Co-Founder at Adult Adoptee Movement)
  • Debbie Iromlou (Co-Founder at Adult Adoptee Movement)
11:00am
  • Josh MacAlister MP (Minister for Children and Families at Department for Education)
The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
Tuesday 24 February 2026
10:00am Public
Historical Forced Adoption - Oral evidence 24 February 2026
10:00am
  • Professor Gordon Harold (Professor of the Psychology of Education and Mental Health at University of Cambridge)
  • Dr Michael Lambert (Lecturer in Medical Humanities at Lancaster University)
  • Dr Janet Greenlees (Reader in Health History at Glasgow Caledonian University)
  • Dr James Gallen (Associate Professor, School of Law and Government at Dublin City University)
11:00am
  • Emma Crowther-Duncan (National Development Lead at PAC-UK)
  • Brenda Farrell (UK Director for Fostering, Adoption & Children In Care at Barnardo's)
  • Colonel Peter Forrest (Chief Secretary at The Salvation Army UK and Ireland)
  • Emily Frith (CEO at Adoption UK)
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House

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We receive a significant number of emails each day. All requests and invitations are considered but we do not respond directly to everyone. Please be aware, the committee does not look at individual cases or specific complaints.