Greenlandic Females Claim Legal Triumph in Battle against Denmark over Forced IUD Injustice.
Survivors of a historical program in which thousands of Greenlandic women and girls were forcibly fitted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent have claimed a win in their legal fight with Copenhagen.
Officials have confirmed that they are now entitled to compensation from a settlement fund.
Government Agreement Finalized
Folketinget, along with state authorities, finalized a deal that entitles an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek 300,000 DKK (£35,000) each.
The announcement comes after a lengthy campaign led by a group of women that filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for the trauma and distress they had endured, arguing it was a breach of fundamental human rights.
Colonial Context
The Danish state administered the territory under colonial rule for decades and retained control of the island's healthcare system into the late 20th century.
In September, following a long period where it did not acknowledge these actions, the government made an official apology. The country's leader apologized over the “institutional prejudice” against women and girls by the Danish healthcare system.
“These actions caused significant impacts on the affected women who have experienced not only physical but also psychological harm,” said a senior official.
Redress Process Outlined
The health ministry stated those subjected to contraception covertly between 1960 and 1991 would be able to apply for compensation starting next year. The law will come into force in June.
According to results of an independent inquiry of medical procedures from that era, an estimated four and a half thousand women may be entitled to the fund.
For eligibility, applicants must:
- Submit a “credible report” of the incident.
- Demonstrate they resided in Greenland throughout the qualifying period.
- Declare on oath that they possessed no knowledge or consent for it to occur.
Voices of Victims
One of the plaintiffs, who was fourteen at the time she was instructed to report for medical attention for no clear reason, described it like a violation.
“Speaking out publicly to the media proved successful,” she stated. “It began in 2022 resulting in a relatively short time we have secured an official apology plus compensation.”
A different voice shared happiness, stating, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: we won.” While some believe the compensation could have been greater, there is relief over the recognition of what happened.
Ministerial Reactions
An Inuit official called the compensation being “long overdue”. She emphasized, “It is not primarily financial. It concerns formal acknowledgment of the hurt and its very severe implications.”
The relevant cabinet member conceded the scandal was a “dark chapter within the shared history”, adding that compensation “will not erase the pain for survivors” yet it “helps to recognize and express regret over the experiences.”
