The Church of England's anticipated formal apology for its role in forced adoptions within the UK's mother and baby home scandal marks a long-overdue acknowledgement of the profound harm inflicted upon countless women and children. However, for progressive advocates and survivors, this apology represents only a preliminary step toward achieving true justice and systemic accountability. The apology must be followed by concrete actions that address the ongoing needs of survivors and dismantle the structures that enabled such abuses to occur in the first place.

For decades, unmarried pregnant women were systematically targeted and coerced into giving up their children. This practice, often shrouded in moralistic condemnation and societal pressure, disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, including women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The Church of England, along with other religious organizations and state entities, played a significant role in perpetuating this injustice, running and supporting institutions where women were subjected to inhumane conditions and denied their fundamental rights.

The apology, as reported by the BBC, acknowledges the “lifelong impact” of these experiences and the church’s role in a system shaped by harmful attitudes and behaviors. While this acknowledgement is a positive development, it is crucial to recognize that the damage inflicted extends far beyond individual experiences. The forced separation of mothers and children has had lasting consequences on families and communities, contributing to cycles of trauma, poverty, and inequality.

The 2021 parliamentary inquiry, which found that 185,000 adoptions involving unmarried mothers occurred between 1949 and 1973, highlighted the state's ultimate responsibility for the suffering caused by public institutions and employees. However, the Westminster government has yet to issue its own formal apology, leaving survivors feeling abandoned and ignored. The Church of England's apology should serve as a catalyst for broader societal reckoning and government action.

Phil Frampton, born in an Anglican institution due to his parents' mixed-heritage relationship, emphasizes the need for sincerity and accountability. He rightly points out that the church cannot excuse its actions based on the prevailing morality of the time. Rather, the church had a moral obligation to challenge discriminatory practices and protect vulnerable individuals. Frampton calls for compensation for survivors and improved access to records, essential steps toward healing and closure.