The horrifying history of the Magdalene laundries and mother-and-baby homes in Ireland, where an estimated 170,000 women and children were subjected to abuse and neglect, continues to haunt the nation. The discovery of a mass grave in Tuam, containing the remains of 796 babies, exemplifies the cruelty faced by these marginalized women. Survivors and advocates demand justice, but only two of eight religious groups affiliated with these institutions have proposed contributions to a redress scheme. The Irish government issued a formal apology in 2021, but the shadow of this suffering and neglect lingers on, affecting survivors and descendants today.
There are some stories so horrifying that their details embed themselves in your flesh and haunt you for the rest of your days. The suffering of the women and babies is one such story.
The exhumation of the children's remains is continuing, so they can be identified if possible and given a proper burial.
This week, it was reported that, of the eight religious organisations linked to Ireland's mother-and-baby homes, only two have offered to contribute to a survivor redress scheme.
The Sisters of Bon Secours offered to contribute while the Sisters of St John of God declined, stating no evidence of untoward manner by their sisters.
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