Notes for Instructors

Although this essay focuses on Newfoundland, abandonment, concealment of birth and infanticide were common throughout North America and Europe well into the twentieth century. In contrast, bastardy laws and their use differed from place to place. Little research has been done in this area, but it seems as if women in Newfoundland were more forthright in claiming support under the bastardy laws than women in other places were.

Looking at one small part of the past is often the best way to understand how greatly attitudes and ways of doing things change over time. The role of single mothers has changed dramatically in the past 100 years. Students should be encouraged to think about and discuss how and why these changes took place. You may wish to discuss how changes in attitudes relate to changes in laws and services.

This essay is suitable for use when looking at family law. (See the Integrated Unit GOVERNMENT AND LAW, p. 48 in the ABE Level I Instructor's Handbook.) Adult students who have experienced the current family court system may wish to discuss how approaches to child custody and child support have changed. Many aspects of criminal law are discussed in this piece as well. Using the list of terms at the end of the essay, you may wish to look at specific aspects of the legal system, such as suspended sentences, and the differences between the crimes of manslaughter and murder. Examination of individual cases leads to the issues of prenatal health care, government services and individual choice. The final section, "How Things Changed," relates to the study of government services for single parents.