Fact Check: 796 infants buried without records at Tuam mother and baby home.

Fact Check: "796 infants buried without records at Tuam mother and baby home."

What We Know

The claim that 796 infants were buried without records at the Tuam mother and baby home is supported by multiple investigations and reports. The Tuam mother and baby home, operated by the Bon Secours Sisters from 1925 to 1961, housed unmarried mothers and their children during a time when societal stigma was prevalent against such families. Investigations revealed that a significant number of children died in the home, with an average of one child dying every two weeks during its operation (BBC).

In 2012, historian Catherine Corless published findings indicating that there were death certificates for 798 children who died at the Tuam home, but she could not find burial records for most of them (BBC). Subsequent investigations by the Irish government confirmed the existence of human remains in a chambered structure at the site, which was initially thought to be related to sewage. The remains were identified as belonging to children aged from premature infants to three years old (BBC).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, including government investigations and reputable news organizations. The BBC has extensively covered the timeline and findings related to the Tuam mother and baby home, detailing the lack of burial records for the 796 infants. The investigation led by the Irish government corroborated Corless's findings, confirming that a total of 802 children died in the home, with many of their remains found in a structure that was not intended for burial (BBC).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are backed by official investigations and peer-reviewed historical research. The Wikipedia page on the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home also provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, citing various reports and findings from credible institutions.

However, some sources, such as Snopes, have attempted to clarify the context around the burial claims, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of the findings. While they acknowledge the existence of the remains and the lack of burial records, they also highlight the complexities surrounding the excavation and the historical context of the home.

Conclusion

The claim that "796 infants were buried without records at Tuam mother and baby home" is True. Investigations have confirmed that while there were death certificates for 796 children, burial records were largely absent, leading to significant public outcry and further investigation into the treatment of women and children in such institutions in Ireland. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this claim, affirming the tragic history of the Tuam mother and baby home.

Fact Check: 796 infants buried without records at Tuam mother and baby home.