The Hidden Truths of Adoption - Bev Shipway

The Hidden Truths of Adoption - Bev Shipway

May 5, 2026 · 38 min · Season 6 · Episode 9

About this episode

Bev Shipway shares her painful experience of being coerced into giving up her son for adoption and the long-lasting effects of that decision.

Did you know that behind every adoption story, there’s a painful truth that’s rarely discussed? In this episode of the Adopt Perspective podcast, Jo Sparrow interviews Bev Shipway, who shares her harrowing experience of being coerced into giving up her son for adoption in Western Australia at the age of 17. Bev recounts the trauma of her pregnancy, the pressure from her family and the system, and the long-lasting effects of her adoption experience. She discusses the challenges of consent, the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with her son, and her journey towards healing. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of adoption, the impact of societal norms, and the importance of personal agency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bev's Story 03:36 The System of Coercion and Secrecy 06:52 The Experience of Pregnancy and Birth 09:58 The Impact of Institutional Practices 12:49 The Aftermath of Adoption 16:28 Reflections on Consent and Freedom 23:27 The Weight of Silence 24:27 The Struggle for Connection 25:54 The Journey to Revocation 29:38 Reconnecting with the Past 32:51 Moments of Joy and Reflection 35:52 Defining Healing 37:13 Advice to the Younger Self This episode will…

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