In the last two decades, there have been a number of research studies into the effects of relinquishing a child for adoption. Each of these in turn has contributed to a better understanding of the initial impact and long-term effects of adoption on birth parents. Similarly, those working in the post-adoption field have met and counselled many birth parents and have learnt at first hand how they have suffered and how their lives have been distorted as a result. In this article, Francesca Harris and Noel Whyte describe why they decided to set up a group for birth mothers in a particular situation, the actual meetings themselves and the conclusions they drew from the whole experience.
WinklerR. C.Van KeppelM., Relinquishing Mothers in Adoption: Their long-term adjustment, Melbourne: Institute of Family Studies, Monograph No. 3, 1984.
