Daughter reunites with mother after more than 40 years of separation, says police; video
A 41-year-old woman, Ludimila Gomes Duarte, has reunited with her mother, Maria Luiza Gomes Soares, after being separated since birth for over four decades due to adoption circumstances.
In a remarkable emotional reunion, Ludimila Gomes Duarte, 41, connected with her mother, Maria Luiza Gomes Soares, 68, after being separated for over 40 years. The reunion occurred at the police precinct of the Missing Persons Investigation Group (GID) in Goiânia, Brazil, marking a significant moment for both women, who had not been in contact since Ludimila's birth. Maria, who made the difficult decision to give her daughter up for adoption due to financial struggles and her young age, expressed her joys and regrets during their first meeting.
Maria’s life after her daughter's adoption saw her relocating to another state where she worked in mining for 12 years, during which time she lost contact with her family. Upon returning to Goiás, she was unable to reconnect and lived with the burden of her past decisions. Her dedication to finding her daughter began to bear fruit when Ludimila, prompted by the search for her biological roots, sought help from the police in June 2025, igniting an investigation that eventually led to their reunion.
The emotional implications of such reunions highlight the profound effects of adoption and separation on families. This reunion not only brings closure to both Ludimila and Maria but also opens a new chapter in their lives, filled with the potential for rebuilding their relationship and understanding each other's experiences over the past four decades. The local police’s role in facilitating this reunion underscores the importance of community support in reuniting families separated by circumstances beyond their control.