In the many submissions provided to the WA inquiry into forced adoption we heard of how mothers were expected to work as UNPAID domestics throughout their pregnancy. Often up until they went into labor and had to be transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) or South Perth Hospital to give birth.
My own mother worked in the laundry during the final 6 weeks of our pregnancy, this was especially hot and heavy work.
Mothers were never paid for this work by Ngala. EVER. This was a financial boost for Ngala, as the insitution did not need to pay out money for wages relating to important domestic labor. This is a institutional business model which has foundations from the British Isles where dozens of the Magdelene homes operated until the 1990's.
Mothers were required to pay for their stay at Ngala and also their newborn's (on their return from KEMH) - until they were collected by adopters. A clear case of triple dipping.
In another cruel blow, in the evenings mothers were expected to knit, sew or crochet baby clothing which would be sold at the Ngala op shop located in East Victoria Park.
For more evidence of what mothers and adoptees were subjected to, please read the 150+ submissions available via the link below.