Forced Adoption Apology By Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, 'Apologizes For The Policies Which Created Lifelong Legacy Of Pain & Suffering'

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivered a historic national apology on Thursday to victims of unwed mothers who were forced by government policies to give up their babies for adoption.

Gillard apologized to more than 800 people affected by the policy speaking in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

The Senate committee recommended an apology a year ago after investigating the impacts of the now-discredited policies.

The report revealed that unwed mothers from World War II until early 1970s in Australia were pressured, deceived and threatened to give up their babies for married couples perceiving this to be the children's best interests.

"Today this Parliament on behalf of the Australian people takes responsibility and apologizes for the policies and practices that forced the separation of mothers from their babies, which created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering," Gillard told the audience.

"We acknowledge the profound effects of these policies and practices on fathers and we recognize the hurt these actions caused to brothers and sisters, grandparents, partners and extended family members.

"We deplore the shameful practices that denied you, the mothers, your fundamental rights and responsibilities to love and care for your children.

"You were not legally or socially acknowledged as their mothers and you yourselves were deprived of care and support.

"We say sorry to you, the mothers, who were denied knowledge of your rights, which meant you could not provide informed consent.

"You were given false assurances. You were forced to endure the coercion and brutality of practices that were unethical, dishonest and in many cases illegal."

Gillard speech was greeted with applause, cheers and some in tears. They responded with a standing ovation when it was finished.

In addition she announced $5 million Australian dollars funding to improve access to specialist support for affected families and to help biological families reunite and $1.5 million to the National Archives for a special exhibition.