SCOTTISH LABOUR called on the Scottish government to issue a formal apology to those affected by historical forced adoption ahead of a debate on the topic today. 

MSP Monica Lennon said today that the Scottish government must act quickly to ensure mothers can heal from this historical, cruel injustice. 

Records show that an estimated 60,000 mothers in Scotland were forced to give a baby up for adoption because they were unmarried. 

In 2013, the Australian government issued the world’s first government apology for forced adoption, taking responsibility for the practice.

But there has never been a formal apology issued in Scotland. 

Last week in First Minister’s Questions, Labour MSP Neil Bibby also pressed the First Minister on the question, raising the case of Marion McMillan, a terminally ill victim of forced adoption who is campaigning for the Scottish government to issue an apology. 

The debate, hosted late last night, sought support from other MSPs in Holyrood to provide some closure for victims. 

The Labour MSP said: “Our nation cannot undo the loss and pain these mothers have endured; however, an apology from the Scottish government would help them to heal from this cruel injustice.

“An apology will come too late for many of the mothers, so the First Minister must act quickly. 

“Scottish women were instrumental in securing an apology from the Australian government in 2013, and access to specialist mental health support. Women in Scotland deserve no less for the trauma they have suffered. 

“We must confront Scotland’s past and finally treat the victims of historical forced adoption with compassion.”

A vote on the debate took place after the Star went to press.