Babies Allowed to Die at Church Home

Babies deemed unadoptable were permitted to die at St Monica's Maternity Home in Kendal, Cumbria, according to a new study of surviving records. Dr. Michael Lambert, a lecturer at Lancaster University, spent months analyzing documents and concluded that infants with disabilities were intentionally denied medical care. This practice was driven by the home's focus on providing desirable children for adoption.

Judith Hindley's son, Stephen, born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in January 1964, died 11 weeks later after being denied hospital treatment. His death, and that of other infants, was documented in the 80-page report which has been handed to Cumbria Police. The study found that these infants were considered an "unattractive proposition" for adoption.

Judith, who had been sent to the home pregnant and terrified after being raped, never overcame the trauma of her son's death and took her own life in 2006. Her husband, Steve Hindley, has now vowed to seek justice for her and their son. The home, run by the Diocese of Carlisle, operated from 1918 until 1970, with death certificates showing over 50 babies died between 1933 and 1967.

The Diocese of Carlisle has apologized for malpractice at the home and committed to transparency with the police investigation. While archives have been opened, Dr. Lambert still faces restrictions in accessing crucial documents from other agencies. The Church of England is also planning to apologize for its role in the forced adoption scandal.