A forensic team has begun excavating the site of a former “mother and baby home” in Tuam, Ireland, in search of the remains of nearly 800 children believed to be buried there.<\/p>\n
The Bon Secours-run home, which operated from 1925 to 1961, saw the deaths of at least 798 infants and toddlers\u2014many believed to have been discarded in a disused septic tank. Only two were formally buried in a nearby cemetery.<\/p>\n
Local historian Catherine Corless uncovered the mass grave through years of research, first publishing her findings in 2014. Her work led to a national investigation and growing calls for justice.<\/p>\n
Excavation crews began sealing off the site on June 16, with digging set to begin soon. \u201cThere are so many babies, children just discarded here,\u201d Corless told AFP.<\/p>\n
So-called “mother and baby homes” were institutions for unmarried pregnant women, often run by religious orders. A 2021 inquiry revealed nearly 9,000 child deaths across 18 such institutions in Ireland.<\/p>\n
The Sisters of Bon Secours have issued an apology. Corless, though, still struggles with the cruelty: \u201cI never understand how they could do that to little babies, little toddlers.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A forensic team has begun excavating the site of a former “mother and baby home” in Tuam, Ireland, in search of the remains of nearly 800 children believed to be buried there. The Bon Secours-run home, which operated from 1925 to 1961, saw the deaths of at least 798 infants and toddlers\u2014many believed to have…<\/p>\n