Asylum mums want babies adopted in Australia: psychiatrist

A child psychiatrist says she was shocked when expectant mothers detained on Christmas Island asked her if their babies could be adopted by Australians.

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Doctor Sarah Mares.

A child psychiatrist says she was shocked when expectant mothers detained on Christmas Island asked her if their babies could be adopted by Australians.

Doctor Sarah Mares visited the facility in March as a consultant to the Australian Human Rights Commission's inquiry into children in immigration detention.

She says there were around twenty pregnant women in detention at that time, some so worried about their babies' welbeing they were prepared to give them up.

She spoke with Phillippa Carisbrooke about the women's request for adoption.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full report)

 

 


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By Phillippa Carisbrooke


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