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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jonathan Geddes

Rutherglen MSP is looking to hear from families affected by 'heart-breaking' adoption practices

Rutherglen's MSP is looking to hear from women and families affected by "heart-breaking" historical adoption practices.

Clare Haughey made the call as a new website was launched to help people share their experiences.

Throughout the 1950s ,60s and 70s a number of new-born babies were unnecessarily taken away from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption, without any regard to the mothers and children’s own needs or wishes.

People who experienced this have reported the long-lasting impacts on their health and wellbeing, and last year First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated that she would consider the issue of those practices.

Ms Haughey, who is also the Scottish Government's Minister for Children and Young People as well as the Rutherglen MSP, has now stated she hopes people will be willing to come forward and speak up, with a questionnaire also available.

She told Lanarkshire Live: "It is heart-breaking that in the past there were practices which resulted in some women feeling forced to give up their children. The lives of those women, their sons, daughters and wider families have been profoundly changed by the experience, and I offer my sincere sympathies to them.

"As I have previously said, this issue deserves to be looked at properly. That is why I am very keen to hear from those with direct experience. I have already held several meetings with some of those affected and I hope to learn more through this questionnaire and webpage.

"Listening to these voices will help us to understand what support and action is needed. The last thing I want to do is to ask those affected to revisit the trauma it caused them, but, if they feel able, I would encourage them to give their views and share their experiences.

"I hope we can work together to explore next steps."

A phone line has been set up in collaboration with Health in Mind to support people who are taking part, or who are considering taking part, in the questionnaire.

Those staffing the line have knowledge and understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Visit here for further information.

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