It was, and it's heartbreaking to watch those programmes that cover stories of adoption from that time. It was shameful too. My mum once told me that her school friend, who came from a family considered to be quite posh, fell pregnant to a married man (her boss) when she'd just turned 16. So that the neighbours wouldn't find out, her mother packed her off to say with her childless aunt and uncle, who were to adopt the baby once it was born. My mum accompanied her to one of her antenatal appointment, and the midwives would come into the waiting room when it was time for the next appointment, and call the married women by their full name i.e. Mrs Smith, and the unmarried ones by their full name - Joan Smith. It was literally a walk of shame to and from the consultation room, with everyone looking disapprovingly and whispering remarks to the person sitting next to them. That was only in the late 60s so not that long ago all things considered.