A report into allegations of historical abuse at a former Church of England maternity home is being passed to Cumbria Constabulary.
The Diocese of Carlisle has welcomed the report which centres on the former St Monica’s maternity home in Kendal which closed in 1970.
In a statement, the diocese said it had first been made aware of accounts of historical abuse at the home in 2023 and that since then, it has worked hard to provide support and agency to those affected, whilst also working alongside partner organisations including the police.
It said it continues to offer its “heartfelt apologies” to those people affected by accounts of malpractice at the home, adding that their testimonies are “truly shocking, and our prayers remain with all those affected, directly or indirectly.”
The allegations of abuse at the home were uncovered by Dr Michael Lambert, a lecturer in medical humanities at Lancaster University. He spent months collating documents about St Monica's and found that many babies who were considered unsuitable for adoption were allowed to die at the home, which began operating in 1918.
The records show a number of babies died from treatable conditions, while others died from childbirth injuries.
Stephen Hindley spent years campaigning on behalf of his late wife Judith who was sent to the home as an unmarried, pregnant teenager. Her baby, Stephen Holt was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in 1964. He was denied hospital treatment and died a few weeks later.
In his report, Dr Lambert said "It is clear that according to the standards of the day, he was denied access to modern medical care because his mother was unmarried, he was illegitimate, and his short life was contained in an institution whose culture was centred on secrecy and providing desirable children for adoption". He added that “because Stephen was born with a disability, he was left or enabled to die in what were deemed his best interests given the range of alternatives by those tasked with his care".
The Diocese of Carlisle said it had been working closely with Mr Hindley for the last two years and recognised “his vital work in ensuring victims’ and survivors’ voices are not lost”.
Confirming that it had shared all its records relating to St Monica’s with Dr Lambert, the diocese said it would support any subsequent police investigation, adding that “each child and mother at St Monica’s deserved the utmost care. One avoidable death was one too many. Cruel or incompetent practice should have been prevented. Any behaviour which countered this was reprehensible.”
Anyone affected by these issues can contact the diocese’ safeguarding officer. Alternatively, Safe Spaces, a free and independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England.