Abortion

Abortion was the first choice for Indian women whose pregnancies were deemed socially unacceptable or who did not want to continue a pregnancy resulting from rape – but for unmarried women there were many obstacles.

Institutions for unwed mothers (shelters)

In large cities, women who became pregnant out of wedlock could seek assistance at a private or a government-run institution. However, to be eligible for care in one of these institutions they often had to agree to part with their child.

The adoption mission of the Sisters of Ingenbohl

Roman Catholic missionaries in India, such as the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross from the Ingenbohl order, were important contacts for couples seeking to adopt a child from India. They travelled to India as missionaries and sent hundreds of children to Switzerland and other countries for adoption.

Sexual violence at home and at work

The history of adoption is also partly one of sexual violence against girls and women. It is a history of sexual exploitation in the workplace, rape outside of marriage and incest resulting in pregnancy.

Swiss adoption placement: an international network

Swiss couples who wanted children and were interested in adopting a child from India could contact one of 15 Swiss adoption agencies. Some of the agencies, such as Adoption Unity in the canton of Zurich, Terre des Hommes in Lausanne and the Sisters of Ingenbohl in India had extensive international connections.

Stories of impossible love

Love stories that did not conform to societal expectations did not usually result in a happy ending. If an unmarried woman became pregnant, she had little choice but to part with her child.

Unwed mothers

Like in Switzerland, unwed mothers were seen as 'fallen women' and faced stigma and social exclusion. In most cases, they saw no other option than to part with their child and allow it to be placed for adoption.

Unwed mothers in film and literature

Unlike in Indian society, in literature and film the existence of single mothers has always been portrayed as a social reality.

From airport to hospital

Two-year-old Amita is flown alone from Calcutta to Switzerland in 1978 to be adopted by the Voser family. Her case raises questions about the ethics and lawfulness of the intercountry adoptions, in particular the motives of the organisations involved and the conditions under which Amita was placed in 'quarantine'.

Social rehabilitation of unwed mothers in India

A return to society was possible for unwed mothers in India – but only if they agreed to part with their child.

Adoptive parents and their responses to racism in society

Adoptive parents of children from India talk about their children's racist experiences in Switzerland.

Keeping the baby

Unmarried mothers generally had to part with their children. This was the norm in Indian society. Occasionally, a mother was able to keep the baby if she was supported by her family or if she was able to take the child with her into a marriage.

Saira: An 'abandoned' baby placed for adoption in dubious circumstances

After two and a half years of waiting, a couple from the canton of Zurich are matched with a child, who is brought to Switzerland from Calcutta by the Terre des Tommes (India) Society. There is no proof of the biological parents' consent, the child is not adequately represented by an official guardian for the duration of her foster care and there are no consequences when neighbours report concerns for her welfare to the authorities.