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People affected by the historical practice of forced adoption have received an apology from the Welsh Government during a visit to the Senedd.

The practice, which predates devolution in Wales, saw thousands of unmarried women across the UK forced into giving away their babies for adoption between 1949 and 1976.

Wales’ deputy minister for social services, Julie Morgan MS, gave the apology on behalf of the Welsh Government on Tuesday April 25.

She said the impacts of forced adoption “are diverse and long-lasting, not only for the women separated from a child by adoption, but also for the adult sons and daughters who were adopted as babies, and their extended family members”.

“I want to acknowledge the father’s experiences when it comes to these historical practices too,” Mrs Morgan continued.

“Many still find it extremely difficult to open up and talk about the life-long heartbreak they have bottled up for fear of still being judged.

“The feelings of loss, grief, anger and pain remain.

“Regardless of the societal pressures or social norms of the day, such cruelty should never be an acceptable part of our society in Wales.”

Former UK Health Minister Ann Lloyd Keen was one of the people affected by forced adoption and was at the Senedd for the apology.

Originally from Flintshire, the ex-Labour MP Ms Lloyd Keen said the event was “so important to me and my son”.

She said: “I was always told his adoption was ‘for the best’. Sadly this was not the case.

“It was horrible, shameful, and left me grieving and feeling unable to talk to anyone. I was forced to live a life that remained a secret.”

She described how the “feeling of deep shame” stayed with her, but said: “I feel empowered and that my name has been cleared. I did not ‘give him up’. He was taken from me.”

The UK Parliament Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) has published a report following an inquiry into the issue.

Mrs Morgan said: “We cannot change what has happened, but I can provide assurances that adoption legislation and practices have been significantly strengthened since.”

She said the Welsh Government is working with the National Adoption Service to look at issues outlined in the JCHR report to develop services to help those affected by forced adoption.