The Magdalene Laundries stand as a painful symbol of how morality, when twisted by power, can destroy lives. For centuries, these institutions operated quietly, shielded by religion and social approval, while countless women suffered behind closed doors. To understand their cruelty, one must examine how they began, how women ended up inside them, and how the system eventually collapsed. The origins of the Magdalene Laundries can be traced back to the 18th century. Initially, they were presented as charitable refuges for “fallen women,” a term used for women who were believed to have strayed from moral standards. Named after Mary Magdalene, who was wrongly portrayed as a repentant sinner, the laundries claimed to offer women a chance at redemption through prayer and hard work. Over time, especially in Ireland, these institutions became firmly controlled by Catholic religious orders and gained the approval of the state and wider society. As the years passed, the laundries drifted f...