Forced Adoption

A Journey of Discovery, Forgiveness and Healing

by Alison Willoughby


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Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 11/29/2023

Format : E-Book
Dimensions : N/A
Page Count : 292
ISBN : 9781982298388
Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 292
ISBN : 9781982298395

About the Book

"A Riveting story about an ordinary person with an extraordinary life " - Bruce Sims, Australian Editor and Publisher


Forced adoption practices in Australia during the mid-1900’s impacted the lives of countless relinquishing mothers and adoptees.

For a long time, the secrecy surrounding these adoptions resulted in thousands of displaced children growing up without knowing their identity, biological parents, or what circumstances surrounded their adoption. This secrecy, fueled with guilt and shame, led to the disruption and trauma of so many lives.

Based on actual events, the author shares her compelling story, as she is reunited with her birth mother, revealing the truth behind her very existence, and why she was placed for adoption, while exposing the challenges and traumas she has faced throughout her life.

As this heart-warming story of bravery and resilience explores the long-term impacts of adoption, the author offers insights, and hopes to assist others in navigating their own emotional struggles, while striving to increase awareness in a world where forced adoption has been suppressed, shining light into a dark period of history, creating space for a nation to continue the journey of healing.


About the Author

Alison Willoughby, a female adoptee, was born in January 1965 in Melbourne, Australia. Just two weeks after her birth, she found herself in the care of her adoptive parents, and the legal processes of adoption were finalized 10 months later. Subsequently, her birth certificate, bearing the names given by her adoptive parents, was issued. It was not until the age of 19, following the enactment of new adoption legislation that her birth mother reached out, marking the first meaningful contact with her biological roots. This pivotal moment unraveled details about her identity and facets of herself that had remained unknown until then. Serendipitously, she also crossed paths with her biological father and his family. Despite these revelations about her origins and the circumstances surrounding her adoption, Willoughby's life continued to be fraught with unresolved issues. The persistent longing for a sense of "connection" and "love" proved perplexing, giving rise to confusion and numerous challenges. Through an arduous journey of personal development and soul-searching, she gradually gained insights into herself and the subsequent traumas she had endured. This process allowed her to acknowledge, forgive, and initiate the healing necessary to move forward in her life.