dead Irish babies, maternity homes, thoughts

[kelleypen]

As I read about the 800 skeletons of Irish children found in a septic tank in Tuam,  I keep thinking about my own past.  My father's birth mother was Irish.  She was seduced by her employer and got pregnant.  When it was found out, she was fired.  That girl raised her son for two years on her own.  I always wondered why, in the middle of the Great

Comments

[sherylyn]

I don't have any real "answers", either, but I share your puzzlement about how/why it was the children who were punished, and punished so harshly, instead of blaming the adults (and esp. the men, who often "caused" these situations by the use of force and/or power). I'm just glad that *that* aspect has changed in society, even if it's not as if we've "solved" other problems with families, either.

I'm just glad that all these events ultimately led you to being where you are, and who you are. You're a blessing, Kelley, and I'm glad I know you. *HUGS*

[kelleypen]

Thank you. I'm glad I know you too. I talk to my students about Shakespeare and bastardy, but it really has only been acceptable in their lifetimes.

[mollywheezy]

Why were the women who got pregnant and the innocent children who were born to them the targets of this shame, and not the men?

Excellent question! It takes TWO to make a baby . . . I'm also horrified by the judgment inflicted on some by "Christians"--the Bible is extremely clear that all of us are called to love and care for each other, not be cruel. We are called to forgiveness and acceptance of others, not hatred.

Amen to your last line! :)

[kelleypen]

For some reason, most of these maternity homes, foundling homes, and Magdeline Laundries were run by Catholic orders. I'm not trying to slam the Catholic church, but I just don't get it. How is this Christlike? http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Religious-orders-allowed-over-2000-Irish-children-to-be-used-in-medical-experiments.html

[amamama]

Great question - why indeed! Ostracizing and exploiting children because they happened to be born out of wedlock? As if that was their fault? *sigh* Protestand countries not much better - my grandpa was a bastard, and the loveliest man ever. His grandma a fantastically strong woman, who lived to 96. Bastard grandchild and proud of it!

[kelleypen]

Amen to that.

[kelleypen]

http://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/cahirodoherty/Unmarried-mothers-kids-in-Tuam-were-scorned-and-shunned-.html

This is breaking my heart, but I keep reading. This resounds with my own genes. God bless the children.

[stmargarets]

Oh, it's sickening, isn't it? I'm so sorry it happened, but it would be worse if it never came to light. Those poor children.