Longford author launches major new book highlighting concerns in child protection system

A Legan based author and campaigner is bringing national attention to the experiences of mothers navigating Ireland’s child protection and family court system with the launch of a powerful new book.

Justice for Birth Mothers The Fight Against Forced Separation in Modern Ireland, co authored by Anna Kavanagh and Dr Finbar Markey, was officially launched this week at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

The book draws on real life testimonies from mothers across Ireland whose children have been taken by Tusla into State care, raising serious questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness within the system.

Anna Kavanagh, co founder of the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice, said the book aims to ensure that voices long excluded from public debate are finally heard.

“These are mothers whose experiences have too often been ignored or dismissed. This book places their stories firmly on the public record and calls for meaningful reform.”

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The publication has already received strong support from across the political spectrum.

John McGuinness TD described the book as “an important and timely contribution,” warning that without reform, “the State will in time be forced to issue apologies for what has occurred.”

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD said it is “vitally important that the voices of birth mothers… are listened to,” adding that many feel there is no fair way for their experiences to be properly heard.

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Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who has raised these issues in the Dáil, said the testimonies “highlight serious shortcomings in how the State intervenes in family life” and strengthen the call for reform.

Senator Sharon Keogan described the book as “a responsible and non partisan publication” that ensures these experiences are acknowledged and treated with the seriousness they deserve.

The book also highlights broader systemic concerns, including access to justice, delays in decision making, and the long term impact of forced separation on families.

The authors say the aim is to spark informed public discussion and encourage change.

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“This is not just about individual cases. It is about a system that must be examined, understood, and improved,” Ms Kavanagh said.

Justice for Birth Mothers The Fight Against Forced Separation in Modern Ireland is now available online via Amazon.