The recent media regarding the Stolen Generation further traumatises all those whose lives have been destroyed by government 'redistribution" policies.

As one of 26,000 SA unmarried mothers whose newborn was taken during delivery for later adoption (whilst I was drugged and traumatised) some truth is long overdue. The unspeakable trauma of these young mothers and their children must also be heard. Our babies weren't ripped from our arms, they were ripped from our wombs.

Expert evidence to the NSW Inquiry into Past Adoption Practices has heard of the range of severe emotional and psychological damage wrought on both mothers and adoptees by adoption. It is time for full disclosure of the legal and human rights abuses which took our children for adoption and address the real issues- the trauma that we, our children, and the Aboriginal Stolen Generation continue to suffer. Simple 'counselling' will not help.

It is not possible to describe the trauma of trying to get through each day with our children still missing - it is often so bad that it feels like our hearts will stop beating. Mothers and their adopted children have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (amongst many other disorders) which continues to be denied and minimised by those whose responsibility it is to provide adequate services.

In regard to the horrendous youth suicide rate, mothers and their dislocated children can answer that one easily. It's called "Death by Adoption". Adequate trauma recovery services are desperately needed NOW.