The Magdalene Asylums were institutions in Ireland, primarily active from the 18th to the late 20th century, designed to house women considered "fallen" or immoral, often due to having children out of wedlock. These facilities were run by religious organizations, particularly the Catholic Church, and aimed to reform these women through hard labor and strict discipline. Many women in the asylums faced harsh conditions, including forced labor and emotional abuse. The institutions have been widely criticized for their treatment of women and their role in perpetuating societal stigma. In recent years, there have been calls for acknowledgment and reparations for the injustices suffered by the residents of the Magdalene Asylums.