Committee Calls for Investigation into the Acquisition of Unclaimed Bodies from Mother and Baby Homes for Anatomical Study
Session: Session currently unavailable
Date: 23 March 2022
Reference: CFTEO 03/21/22
The Assembly Committee for the Executive Office has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of the historical acquisition of bodies for anatomical study in Northern Ireland.
Chairperson of the Committee, Sinéad McLaughlin MLA said: “We, as a Committee, have heard and read reports about how unclaimed bodies from mother and baby homes, Magdalene Laundries and workhouses have been used for anatomical study. We have been engaging with many victims and survivors from these institutions and we want to help them in their search to find out how, why and when this was allowed to happen. We are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances of the historical acquisition of bodies for anatomical study in Northern Ireland.”
“We feel it is essential to establish what legal regime was in place when these transactions occurred and the circumstances of consent for such bodies to be used in this way. As a priority, such an investigation needs to establish where these individuals have been laid to rest.
“This highly emotive issue must be handled sensitively and impartially. The issue is important to many victims and survivors of mother and baby homes who have raised concerns regarding the treatment of loved ones in these institutions and the fate of children born to them.”
The Committee has engaged with victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries and has been supporting the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth Recovery Design Panel.
ENDS
Executive Office Committee Membership:
Committee Chairperson: Sinéad McLaughlin MLA
Deputy Chairperson: John Stewart MLA
Members: Pádraig Delargy MLA
Diane Dodds MLA
Alex Easton MLA
Trevor Lunn MLA
Pat Sheehan MLA
Emma Sheerin MLA
For any media enquiries, please contact:
Caroline Moore
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Tel: 028 90 52 1606
