Inquiry into whether adoptions were forced

Belgium has begun an inquiry into reports of forced adoptions in the 1950s to 1980s that have put the spotlight on the possible role of Catholic institutions in pressuring young mothers to give up their babies. A group called Mater Matuta claims up to 30,000 newborns were involved, including hundreds in one Catholic home for unwed mothers, but few facts are known.

The Flemish regional assembly launched the inquiry in December and urged all public and Catholic institutions to provide information on their adoptions. One proposal is to create a DNA data bank so that mothers and children can trace each other. Mgr Herman Cosijns, secretary general of the bishops’ conference, sparked criticism when he told the panel that it was wrong to call the adoptions forced. Mothers had a choice and some found adoption “a redeeming experience”, he said.

Church officials promised full cooperation with the inquiry.