Greenlandic Women Secure Judicial Victory in Struggle against the Danish State over Coerced IUD Scandal.
Survivors from a past program where thousands comprising Inuit women and girls were covertly implanted using contraceptive coils without their knowledge or consent are declaring a win following their court battle with the Danish government.
It has been announced the women are now entitled to compensation via a reconciliation fund.
Government Settlement Reached
The Danish parliament, and the government, finalized a deal that entitles an estimated 4,500 affected individuals to claim 300,000 DKK (ÂŁ35,000) per person.
This announcement comes after a three-year battle led by 143 women who initiated legal proceedings seeking damages over the trauma and distress they experienced, which they said was a violation of fundamental personal rights.
Colonial Context
The Danish state ruled the territory as a colony until 1953 maintaining control of its medical services until 1992.
In September, following a long period of failing to address these actions, the government issued a formal official apology. The prime minister apologized for the “institutional prejudice” targeting women and girls by the Danish healthcare system.
“It has had significant consequences on the Greenlandic women who have experienced both physical but also psychological harm,” said a senior official.
Redress Process Details
The health ministry stated those who were given contraception without their knowledge or consent during a thirty-one year period would be able to seek compensation from April 2026. Relevant legislation is set to be enacted in June.
According to the findings of an impartial investigation of medical procedures from that era, an estimated four and a half thousand women may be entitled to compensation.
For eligibility, applicants must:
- Submit a “credible report” detailing what happened.
- Demonstrate they resided on the island during the specified timeframe.
- State on oath that they had no knowledge or consent for the procedure.
Perspectives from the Victims
A women, recalling being fourteen when she was instructed to report to the hospital for no clear reason, described it like an assault.
“Our activism publicly and interviewees has been effective,” she said. “We started two years ago and now a relatively short time we got an apology and compensation.”
Another perspective shared happiness, saying, “We are happy. As my mother put it: we won.” While some believe the compensation should have been higher, there is contentment over the recognition of what happened.
Official Responses
A Greenlandic official described the compensation being “well past due”. She emphasized, “It is not about the money. It is about recognition of the injury and the profound consequences.”
A Danish health minister acknowledged these events was a “dark chapter in our joint past”, adding that compensation “will not erase the pain for survivors” yet it “helps to acknowledge and apologise for the experiences.”
