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You are invited to participate in a historical study of the experiences of single women who gave birth at the Royal Women’s Hospital between 1945 and 1975. The study aims to discover what it meant to be a single expectant mother at this time and explore these women’s ability to choose whether they kept their babies or adopted them out. Ultimately, this study seeks to answer the question: “what role was played by the Royal Women’s hospital in these women’s experiences.”
This is in an oral history project and you are invited to share your experiences and memories. Christin Quirk will conduct all the interviews which will offer an opportunity to share stories and reflect on your past experiences.
The themes to be explored are not intended to cause discomfort in any way, although it is recognised that recalling life-events associated with placing a child for adoption may be distressing for some participants.
Your participation is entirely voluntary and would involve a (60-90 minute) interview on a date that suits you between April and December 2010. In some cases a follow-up interview (60-90 minutes) may be requested. The interview will take place at a mutually agreeable location. To assist in the accurate transmission of stories and ideas, the interview will be recorded. You will have an opportunity to edit your transcript and you may also request an audio copy of the interview for your personal archive, if you wish. Please note that if you become distressed at any time during the initial or follow-up interview, we will stop the discussion and counselling referral will be provided.
The stories you share in the interview will form an important part of the student’s Master of Philosophy thesis. On a larger scale they will contribute to a better understanding of the history of adoption in Australia. The research findings will be shared with the Royal Women’s Hospital and will also be published: a copy of the thesis will be lodged in the ACU national library in Melbourne.
You are, of course, free to refuse consent altogether without having to justify that decision, or to withdraw consent and discontinue participation in the study at any time without giving a reason.
You may choose to use your own name in this study or, if you prefer, to use a name of your choosing in order to protect your identity. All data files will be securely stored at Australian Catholic University for five years after which time they will be destroyed.
Any questions regarding this project should be directed to Professor Shurlee Swain and the Student Researcher, Christin Quirk: (email:
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) or;
Professor Shurlee Swain
Ph. 9953 3239
School of Arts and Science
Locked Bag 4115, Fitzroy MDC, Fitzroy Victoria 3065
You may choose to supply your email address in order to receive a short report at the end of the year on the outcomes of the research.
This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Australian Catholic University.
In the event that you have any complaint or concern about the way you have been treated during the study, or if you have any query that the Investigator or Supervisor and Student Researcher has (have) not been able to satisfy, you may write to the Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee care of the nearest branch of the Research Services Office.
VIC: Chair, HREC
C/- Research Services
Australian Catholic University
Melbourne Campus
Locked Bag 4115
FITZROY VIC 3065
Tel: 03 9953 3158
Fax: 03 9953 3315
Any complaint or concern will be treated in confidence and fully investigated. The participant will be informed of the outcome.
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