For all my fellow BSE adoptees and natural parents?

Just goes to underline my belief that Australia currently leads the way in the adoption field. Now we just have to wait for the rest of the world to catch up :)

Edit: sorry, was in a rush. What most impresses me is that the authors of the report seem to have really listened. The chapter on the horrendous treatment of unwed mothers recognises all sorts of coercion that seem almost incredible these days - and yet there's an acknowledgment as well that these practises continued far after legislation made them illegal. Although an apology may be seen by many as too little, too late I really hope it does happen. It will give media coverage to the issue, validation to the women and families affected, and may perhaps help some adult adoptees understand what their natural mothers went through, that adoption wasn't a choice but a foregone conclusion they couldn't fight.

That Australia is willing to examine its past, admit its mistakes and try to put in place the most 'fit for purpose' adoption model it possibly can is, I think, fantastic. Hopefully other countries will follow suit.

Validation is a start, however for both me and my son - nothing can change our past. If the west follows by Australia's example, surely some mothers and their children will not have to go through what I did. But again, it does nothing to rectify what's already been done to myself and many others. For example, Stephen Harper's apology on the abuse that occurred in Canadian residential schools did nothing to heal two generations of displaced people. Likewise, the Holocaust.

But glad to see that people are listening. I wouldn't wish my experience on anyone.

ETA@mini: For me, it isn't an issue if people believe me. Sorry if my answer offended your findings and opinion, I didn't mean to. I just don't see how anything other than giving me back my child could empower or compensate for my loss. Hopefully for some women it does. For me, no.

Thank you Minimouse. I have been reading and will continue.

The work that the groups in Australia have done over the years is incredible. I joined Origins NSW(online) many years ago and have followed the unfolding story....bravo to all of you!!

For a brief period of time(late 1970s and 80s) the USA seemed to become humane in its family practices with regard to adoption. There was a Model Adoption law that was presented with open records for all sides. It seemed a real possibility. Adoption itself was seen as highly questionable.

But...now the US is promoting adoption and has become anti-woman, in general.

It looks great. I dont know if Im part of the BSE or not. I was born in 1969. My mother was 35 yrs old and had 3 teen children. I dont know if she was married or not. I dont know anything....just as they wanted.

I hope this continues to move across to the US but I doubt we'll follow.

This has nothing to do with your question...

Just wanted to ask.. Why do you come onto the adoption forum and BASH everything everyone has to say? Why do you attack everyone who says they are happy about their adoption or are looking to put their child up for adoption? You went on my question a few weeks ago and completely attacked me! And I thought it was pretty ironic that you asked a question a few months ago that said something along the lines of "Why do people come on here to answer questions only to abuse the asker?" HAHAH that made me laugh pretty hard that you are such a hypocrite. Some people are happy with their adoption and their choice to choose adoption for their kid. Who are you to judge that just because you have MAJOR issues with the fact that you are adopted? Seriously, get some therapy, you sound like adoption F*cked you up pretty bad, which is unfortunate, because adoption is such a beautiful thing. Oh one last thing, I didn't appreciate that you called me immature or that I wasn't an adult or something along those lines, because I never stated my age, and I AM an adult thank you very much. I am sorry adoption hurt you and that you had a bad experience. But you seriously need to lay off everyone, state your opinion RESPECTFULLY and then I won't have a problem...

EDIT:

I love this answer you just gave

"LOVE getting thumbs down for stating how I feel about MY LIFE. FFS, where do you all get off? The question asked for responses based on personal feeling, if you cant cope with that, go elsewhere. Im not going to pretend that Im happy with all aspects of adoption and Im not gonna lie to make all you adoption hopefuls happy."

I was stating how I felt in my question and you freaked the hell out at me. So where do YOU get off saying that only you can state your opinion, but no one else can without getting attacked by you?