Keeping things in context is a very important requirement when reviewing anything.

But I fail to see the problem with the apology... because an 'apology' is a sorry to a victim of 'their experience'. It's not about making excuses as you say sorry!

It was a 'sorry' to the children, and to the mothers. They got what they deserve... a belated 'acknowledgement' of their pain.

Their experience was a Human Rights Violation of epic proportions. (which barely existed back then... keeping it in context).

The thing I see missing here, which is missing in too many current situations... that of the irresponsible 'sperm donor'. Which of these 'mothers' were pressured unrelentingly by a boyfriend or raped against their will, by a father or other relation?

Who bailed out in 'taking responsibility' for the result of their 'pleasure'??

You mentioned: "There are also now virtually no children available for local adoption in Australia (only 45 nationally in 2010-11), though abortion is likely to also be a big influence."

.....maybe, but how is this relevent to an apology? (how dare young mothers demand to keep their own children, hmmmm??)

The churches were doing a great service of support... that which the men weren't taking up responsibility for!

And on that, the Government, in their obligatory role is managing to assist 'single mums' bring up the country's future citizens, (to some degree). "Some" stats do show children suffering in their single mum homes, sure. And who is to blame? ..good for nothing single mums! Where are the daddy's? .. they were violent, angry, had little morals or respect, they hurt me and the children, he doesn't help with child rearing.... but it's still mum's fault for managing so badly!

...are you getting the picture of the 'current context' of the life of Responsibility for single mums and their children's wellbeing... and the Governments (responsibility) is to support them, WHY? ...many father's lack of ABILITY to RESPOND to the needs of others, their children & the rights of their children's mothers to be supported and respected etc etc.

Just saying!

AND an apology for referring to mothers as 'birth mothers' as opposed to adoptive mothers, AND an apology from Crean for 'taking away from' the 'special day'.....AND an apology for...... talk about precious.

Fully concur with Mr O'Reillys' article. Historic context, accurate statistical information and an understanding of prevailing motives and mores would help in all this historic revisionism. Anyone daring to question the prevailing rights/left/green/feminist/victim paradigm is well.... Obviously a misogynist.

The article offers salutatory historical perspective and some balance on a highly emotional issue which has now been exploited by unscrupulous politicians.

One sympathises with pain suffered, but one apologises for injustice perpetrated. When adoptions were forced, the relinquishing mothers didn’t only suffer pain - they suffered injustice which was imposed on them by officials backed by force. The author seems to be excusing these acts on the ground of overwhelming public self-righteousness at the time. There was overwhelming public support for burning witches once - it remained a despicable act.

Does anyone else see the contradiction in Gillard offering an apology to mothers and their new-born children for coerced adoptions in years past, and today cutting back on the support offered to single mothers trying to raise a child on their own?
The hypocrisy of our PM is simply astonishing.

Horse feathers, bird's fur and Bah humbug!
Very young women had their children stolen by an all powerful entity or entities. Who arguably gave themselves irrefutable God-like power?
Single mums were not offered a choice, and frequently had their signatures extracted under extreme duress and or powerful hypnotic drugs, or both.
There is no way to sugar coat what was done, which is far beyond the pale and entirely inexcusable!
Let alone allow mums and kids, to be further traumatised, by apologists or revisionists, like the patently calloused and indifferent author, have far too few regrets?
My own sainted mother raised four, born in holy wedlock, kids on her own.
Affordable Govt housing seemed to go to far better off foreigners first!
The state contributed a few shillings a month; not even enough for footwear.
I spent a large potion of my childhood, being both abused and brainwashed in orphanages and foster homes, as did my siblings.
I was on the handles of a commercial polisher, aged just six!
Whipped daily; and beaten unconscious, by an adult male, aged just 11!
I do recall those footsteps leading to our cabin, as a woman abandoned and despised by her friends and relatives; and her church, was left to go it alone, or given no other choice!
And least we forget, there are people in positions of power and or trust, who would if they but could, return us to those days.
Rhrosty.