Greenlandic Women Claim Judicial Triumph over Struggle with the Danish State regarding Coerced IUD Injustice.
Victims from a historical program in which thousands of Greenlandic females, some minors were forcibly fitted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) absent informed permission are declaring a win in their legal fight against Copenhagen.
It has been confirmed that they will be entitled to compensation from a settlement fund.
Parliamentary Agreement Reached
The Danish parliament, and the government, finalized a deal that entitles an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek 300,000 DKK (£35,000) per person.
The announcement comes after a three-year battle led by a group of women that initiated legal proceedings seeking compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced, which they said constituted a violation of their human rights.
Colonial Background
Denmark administered Greenland under colonial rule until 1953 maintaining control of the island's healthcare system until 1992.
In September, following a long period where it did not acknowledge these actions, Denmark 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 major consequences for the affected women who suffered both physical but also psychological harm,” stated the government minister.
Compensation Process Details
Authorities clarified that women who were given contraception covertly between 1960 and 1991 would be able to seek payment from April 2026. The law will come into force by mid-year.
According to results of an impartial investigation of contraceptive practices from that era, roughly 4,500 individuals are potentially entitled to compensation.
For eligibility, applicants must:
- Submit a “credible report” detailing what happened.
- Have lived in Greenland throughout the specified timeframe.
- State under oath that they had no awareness nor gave permission for it to occur.
Voices from the Survivors
One of the plaintiffs, who was fourteen at the time she was instructed to report to the hospital without explanation, described it like an assault.
“Our activism as speakers and interviewees has been successful,” she stated. “We started in 2022 resulting in within three years we got an apology and compensation.”
Another voice expressed satisfaction, saying, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: it's a victory.” While some believe the compensation should have been higher, they expressed relief over the recognition of past events.
Official Responses
A Greenlandic official called the compensation as “well past due”. Stating clearly, “This isn't primarily financial. It concerns recognition of the hurt and its very severe consequences.”
The relevant cabinet member acknowledged these events represent a “dark chapter within the joint past”, adding that compensation “cannot remove the pain for survivors” yet it “serves to recognize and apologise for the experiences.”
