An inquiry is underway into forced adoption in Australia. This is the practice where single mothers had their babies removed without their consent, and adopted. Victims of forced adoption in Australia are hoping for a redress scheme and better support. There have long been calls for an inquiry in New Zealand, but no Government has ever agreed to do it. In fact the Government just last year rejected the idea. In 2016, Maggie Wilkinson, whose baby was forcibly taken from her at birth, petitioned the House to undertake a broad and full inquiry into the practice of forced adoption in New Zealand during the 1950s to the 1980s. Her request wasn't granted. One person who is deeply interested in this is Filmmaker journalist and writer, Barbara Sumner-Burstyn, who was herself adopted at birth without her mother's consent.
Maggie Wilkinson (centre) gives her submission to Parliament on her petition calling for an inquiry into forced adoption in New Zealand between the 1950s and 1980s with her daughters either side. Photo: RNZ / Daniela Maoate - Cox
