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

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Caroline Moore