Shame, Lies & Family - In the child’s best interest

At its peak in the early 1970s, almost 200 babies per week were adopted in Australia. It’s impossible to know how many of these adoptions involved coercion, but we do know that it was a time many believed single women were incapable of looking after their children.

In this episode, Amelia Oberhardt looks at how this system was allowed to operate, and what lead to forced adoption ending. 

If you would like to share your story, email secretswekeep@sca.com.au

Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13

Featured:

• Patricia Farrar - Mother, PhD
• Shurlee Swain - Emeritus Professor, Australian Catholic University 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.