Forced adoptions were widespread in Australia for decades . `` To you , the mothers -- who were betrayed by a system that gave you no choice and subjected you to manipulation , mistreatment and malpractice -- we apologize , '' said Gillard , speaking in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra . Comment: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivers the apology .
Forced adoptions were widespread in Australia for decades . Comment: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivers the apology .