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ARTICLE · 04 AUGUST 2026

Much-needed Judicial Guidance In Forced Adoption Cases From Lamont

In the forced adoption case of Lamont, the Supreme Court confirmed that the plaintiff’s consent to the adoption of her child in 1968 was valid and informed, rejecting claims that she was coerced into doing so. The Court further found that the defendants adhered to the societal and legal standards of the time, and were not in breach of their duty of care in the course of the adoption.

AustraliaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration

Warning: This article contains allegations about historical forced adoption practices which may be upsetting for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

In the forced adoption case of Lamont, the Supreme Court confirmed that the plaintiff’s consent to the adoption of her child in 1968 was valid and informed, rejecting claims that she was coerced into doing so. The Court further found that the defendants adhered to the societal and legal standards of the time, and were not in breach of their duty of care in the course of the adoption.

In issue

The plaintiff sued the Royal Women's Hospital and Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited (the defendants) in the Supreme Court of Victoria for damages in connection with the alleged forced adoption of the plaintiff’s baby in 1968.

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