The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child is a book by American author Nancy Verrier published in 1993.

[1] The book posits that there is a "primal wound" that develops when a mother and child are separated by adoption shortly after childbirth.

It describes the mother and child as having a vital connected relationship which is physical, psychological and physiological, and examines the effects of disrupting such bonds.

By understanding the primal wound and its lasting impact, society can better support and empower adoptees as they navigate their unique life journeys.

Moreover, the book encourages a holistic perspective on adoption, fostering compassion and empathy for all parties involved, including birth parents who also experience the effects of separation.