The Dutch cabinet said in a Monday parliamentary letter, signed by State Secretary for Justice and Security Claudia van Bruggen, that it will formally apologize to people affected by the forced removal of children in the second half of the last century. The letter responds to a June 2025 report by the Commission on Domestic Relinquishment and Adoption.
According to the Commission's findings, between 1956 and 1984, thousands of newborn children were placed for adoption under pressure. Most cases involved unmarried women who saw no viable option to raise their children themselves. Girls and women who became unintentionally pregnant were, in some instances, required to place their children with a guardian.
In its response, the cabinet stated that the events described in the report “never should have happened and caused significant suffering.” It added that “there was insufficient attention to the vulnerable and distressing position of mothers and children" and said this led to considerable pain and grief. The government also acknowledged its role in these events.
The statement said that for those affected, government apologies represent “a starting point for recognition of this suffering.” It added that the cabinet aims to organize a meeting before the summer, in which the apologies will be formally delivered. Preparation for that meeting will involve those affected and advocacy organizations.
