Baby Number 12

In the aftermath of the Second World War one Swiss adoption agent, Honneger, saw an opportunity and exploited the loopholes and lack of control in adoption, in Switzerland and in the rest of the world until she died in 1997. The result is that thousands of children were displaced by Honegger via Switzerland. The investigation is focusing on the early career of this lady.

Trained in the US and Canada, when Honegger came back to Switzerland, she started her career by matching vulnerable children with wealthy and influential European and American families around the world. Some of these adoptees today are still alive and also some of the mothers. It’s a race against time to find them and give them the opportunity to find the truth. 

The team of investigative journalists have already done extensive research into the social background in Switzerland and Europe, the adoption industry, and the backgrounds of a few adoptees. But there are potentially thousands more they are identifying in several countries, especially in North America. More reporting will reveal the scope of the scheme.

The research carried out ––through interviews with several adoptees, experts and by finding and reading original documents and letters exchanged since the ‘50s until the late ‘60s between Honegger, Swiss and international authorities, mothers and other institutions –– shines new light on the adoption practices of Honegger. It also shows the Swiss government's responsibilities. 

Today, Europe is still dealing with illegal adoption and child trafficking. In June 2023, the Council agreed there should be “stronger rules” against those crimes. Looking at bad practices of the past is crucial in the process of reforming current procedures in Europe.

Photo: ©Jared Ferrie