Panel uncovers evidence of private nursing homes secretly housing mothers and infants

An ongoing investigation into Northern Ireland’s institutions for unmarried mothers has uncovered indications that private nursing homes might have accommodated pregnant women and infants as a “measure of secrecy”. The Truth Recovery Independent Panel, an investigatory body, is currently collecting information concerning mother-and-baby homes, Magdalene Laundries, and workhouses. Professor Leanne McCormick, co-chair of the panel, stated that evidence suggests private nursing homes were utilized to house expectant mothers, with their children subsequently adopted. It is estimated that a minimum of 10,500 women were placed in these institutions, commonly referred to as mother-and-baby homes, across Northern Ireland; however, incomplete documentation indicates this number could be greater. To date, over 100 individuals have approached the panel, which is collecting testimonies confidentially within a non-confrontational environment. This panel represents the initial phase of an investigation established by the devolved government. Its findings will inform a public inquiry tasked with investigating alleged abuses, such as forced adoptions. Prof McCormick commented: “We have become increasingly aware of pregnant mothers spending time in private nursing homes, and babies being adopted from those.” She added, “It means the authorities may not be aware of the situations in the same way as they would have been if they were in local hospitals.” Prof McCormick further noted, “Often we have seen that women and babies may have been staying longer in these private nursing homes while decisions clearly are taken about what will happen next.” Concluding her statement, she said, “Sometimes babies are staying without their mothers while decisions are made.” She clarified that the practice of using private nursing homes for childbirth was more prevalent prior to the establishment of the NHS in 1948. Nevertheless, this practice persisted into the 1960s and 1970s. Among the nursing homes identified in the panel’s investigation are Antrim House in north Belfast and Bayview in Londonderry; both establishments ceased operations several years ago. Over 10,000 women and girls were housed in these institutions across Northern Ireland during the period spanning the 1920s to the 1990s. “Mother-and-baby” institutions in Northern Ireland were predominantly operated by religious orders. These included three Magdalene Laundries located in Belfast, Londonderry, and Newry, which functioned as workhouses where pregnant women and girls were compelled to perform arduous tasks. Survivors of these homes have employed creative forms of expression to share their experiences, aiming to encourage more individuals to come forward for support and provide their testimonies. Caitriona Cunningham authored the play, The Marian Hotel, which is currently touring Northern Ireland and is set at Marianvale in Newry. The central character, Kitty, draws inspiration from Caitriona’s own experiences, as she resided in the institution from 1979 to 1980. She characterized life there as “very regimented” with “everything geared towards having your baby adopted”. Caitriona stated she was one of the “few lucky people” because “I got my daughter back when she was three months old.” She continued, “But for years, I didn’t tell anybody that I was in Marianvale.” She added, “More recently, it was in my mind all the time. I was thinking about the other women.” Concluding, she said, “I started to write down wee notes and now this play is what it’s come to. It’s amazing.” Trauma support workers are present at each performance. Patricia Byrne, artistic director of Sole Purpose Productions, clarified: “They will be there to give help to anyone who will be impacted or might be feeling emotional about what they see.” She expressed hope that presenting stories that had remained concealed for so long on a public stage would contribute to reducing stigma. Byrne emphasized, “The play is very much a call to people who may have been impacted by mother-and-baby institutions to come forward.” Additionally, survivors have curated “The Sunflower Project,” an exhibition featuring original art and artifacts linked to the institutions, currently showcased at the Linen Hall Library in Belfast. The items on display—including a christening robe, toys, and letters—convey the emotions of love, loss, and loneliness experienced by those affected. These issues are also brought to light in a film, Small Things Like These, which is currently in cinemas this month. Based on Claire Keegan’s novel, the movie centers on a Magdalen Laundry in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, during the 1980s. Cillian Murphy portrays Bill Furlong, a character disturbed by the events he observes at the institution. Prof McCormick is urging individuals who resided near the institutions in Northern Ireland to reach out to the Truth Recovery Panel. She stated, “We’re interested in anybody who had any connection with these institutions.” She provided examples, saying, “For example, there are neighbours who might have been aware of laundry going in and out.” She continued, “Clergy may have brought people to these institutions.” Prof McCormick also mentioned, “There are also magistrates, GPs, social workers, probation workers, midwives in local hospitals, builders who worked at the institutions.” She concluded, “Anybody with any understanding could help us to piece together these stories.” She further indicated that the panel is eager to receive testimonies from individuals within the Protestant community, as the majority of women who have come forward were housed in institutions managed by Catholic organizations. These institutions formed a network throughout the island of Ireland, providing accommodation for unmarried women and their infants during an era when out-of-wedlock pregnancy was considered scandalous. Northern Ireland contained over 12 such mother-and-baby homes. Three of these were Catholic-operated workhouses, known as Magdalene Laundries, where women were often subjected to arduous, unpaid labor. Several individuals were victims of sexual offenses, including rape and incest, and residents were expected to perform “strenuous physical labour” even in advanced stages of pregnancy. Numerous women and girls were separated from their children, who were subsequently placed in children’s homes, boarded out (fostered), or given up for adoption. The cross-border movement of women and children into and out of these institutions also presented a concern. The final institution in Northern Ireland ceased operations in 1990.