This is the question currently being considered by the State Government in preparation for its apology to people affected by Western Australia’s barbaric adoption policy of the mid-late 1900s.

Thousands of women and girls were subjected to devastating losses after being forced to hand over their children for adoption in an era when single, unwed mothers were considered unfit to be parents.

With no regard for the mothers’ wishes, newborn babies were torn from their biological parents and placed in the care of others.

The trauma and emotional damage this caused to women, children and their families is unquantifiable.

Lives were ruined and hearts were broken.

And no words can ever turn the clock back for these people who have suffered in silence for so long.

And while an apology is one thing, and is to be applauded, it is really the acknowledgment of the horrific experiences faced by so many vulnerable women that will – hopefully – bring some sort of vindication to those affected.

Children who were snatched away from lives with their real mothers and fathers need to know they were not unwanted.

Tragically, they were victims of a cruel and unjust practice perpetuated by short-sighted governments, bullying welfare officials and judgemental and unforgiving religious organisations.

And, like the Stolen Generation and Forgotten Children before them, they have spent a lifetime wondering where they came from.

Acknowledgment of our State’s, and, indeed our country’s, devastating failures with regard to unlawful adoption procedures may be the only way forward for those still suffering under the ‘veil of secrecy and shame’ so often inflicted upon relinquishing mothers and adoptees.

It is time their stories were heard.

And it is about time our government took responsibility for its past actions and recognised its contribution to the hurt and heartache suffered by so many.