Some folks say "well those were the times".  However, it should be noted that  young unmarried mothers during the postwar period were subjected to illegal, unethical and human rights abuses in adoption policies and practices all over Canada. Women who resided in Canada's "homes for unwed mothers" run by Anglican, United, Catholic, Presbyterian and Salvation Army, and funded by federal and provincial governments; report psychological, physical and even sexual abuse in these facilities. Further, mothers report inhumane treatment (as this mother does) in Canadian hospitals, with separate protocols for married and unmarried mothers. Unmarried mothers were unable to see, feed, or hold their babies prior to the signing of consents. Many consents were taken under duress. It is time for these mothers to be acknowledged.  Australia has done so with a Senate Commitee.  It is time Canada did the same. 

Valerie Andrews, Executive Director
Origins Canada: Supporting Those Separated by Adoption