Greenlandic Women Achieve Judicial Victory in Fight with Denmark over Coerced IUD Scandal.
Survivors from a past program in which thousands of Inuit women and girls were covertly implanted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent have claimed victory following their court battle against Copenhagen.
It has been announced that they are now entitled to financial redress via a reconciliation fund.
Government Agreement Finalized
Folketinget, along with the government, reached an agreement granting approximately four thousand five hundred Greenlandic women to claim 300,000 DKK (around thirty-five thousand pounds) per person.
This decision follows a three-year campaign led by 143 claimants who initiated legal proceedings demanding damages for the trauma and distress they had endured, arguing it constituted a violation of their human rights.
Historical Background
The Danish state ruled Greenland under colonial rule until 1953 and retained authority over the island's healthcare system into the late 20th century.
Earlier this year, following a long period where it did not acknowledge these actions, Denmark issued a formal expression of regret. The prime minister expressed sorrow for the “institutional prejudice” targeting women and girls within the Danish healthcare system.
“It has had significant consequences for the affected women who suffered not only physical but also mental trauma,” stated the government minister.
Redress Process Details
The health ministry stated those who were given contraception covertly during a thirty-one year period can seek compensation starting next year. The law is set to be enacted by mid-year.
Based on the findings of an impartial investigation of medical procedures from that era, an estimated four and a half thousand individuals are potentially entitled to compensation.
For eligibility, applicants will need to:
- Provide a “credible report” of the incident.
- Have lived in Greenland throughout the qualifying period.
- State under oath that they possessed no knowledge or consent for the procedure.
Perspectives from the Victims
A women, who was fourteen when she was instructed to go to the hospital for no clear reason, said the experience like a violation.
“Our activism publicly and interviewees proved effective,” she stated. “It began in 2022 and now a relatively short time we have secured an official apology plus compensation.”
A different voice expressed happiness, stating, “We are happy. Like my mother said: it's a victory.” Although some believe the compensation could have been greater, there is relief over the acknowledgment of past events.
Ministerial Reactions
An Inuit official called the compensation being “long overdue”. She emphasized, “It is not primarily financial. It concerns recognition of the injury and its very severe implications.”
The relevant health minister conceded the scandal was a “troubling period within the joint past”, adding that compensation “will not erase the pain from the women” yet it “helps to recognize and apologise for what they endured.”
