Without Consent: Australia's past adoption practices

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This exhibition brings moving experiences of heartbreak and resilience, shared by people affected by Australia's past adoption practices.

It is estimated that at least 150,000 adoptions took place in Australia from the 1950s to the 1970s. A significant number of them were forced adoptions. Many of the women who had their babies taken were unmarried and, because of the stigma attached to unmarried mothers at the time, were often forced to live a lie for decades. For some, it was a secret they took to their graves.

This exhibition was developed by the National Archives of Australia following former Prime Minister Julia Gillard's national apology to those affected by forced adoptions. It aims to show the truth - that the babies taken for adoption were dearly loved and wanted by their parents.

The exhibition is a tribute to the courage and generosity of those who volunteered to share their experiences and, in doing so, exposed this aspect of Australia's history.

A national touring exhibition developed and presented by the National Archives of Australia. Assisted by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia.