Greenlandic Females Secure Judicial Victory in Struggle with Denmark over Coerced IUD Injustice.

Survivors of a past program where thousands of Inuit women and girls reportedly were forcibly fitted using contraceptive coils absent informed permission have claimed a win following their legal fight with the Danish government.

Officials have confirmed the women will be entitled to compensation from a reconciliation package.

Government Agreement Finalized

Folketinget, and the government, reached an agreement that entitles an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek kr. 300,000 (£35,000) each.

This decision comes after a three-year campaign by a group of claimants who initiated legal proceedings demanding damages over the trauma and distress they had endured, which they said constituted a breach of fundamental personal rights.

Historical Background

Denmark ruled Greenland as a colony until 1953 maintaining control of the island's medical services into the late 20th century.

Earlier this year, following a long period where it did not acknowledge the violations, the government issued a formal expression of regret. The country's leader apologized for the “systemic discrimination” targeting Greenlandic females by the state medical apparatus.

“It has had significant consequences on the Greenlandic women who suffered both physical but also mental trauma,” said a senior official.

Compensation Process Outlined

Authorities stated those subjected to contraception covertly during a thirty-one year period would be able to apply for compensation starting next year. The law will come into force in June.

According to results of an independent investigation of contraceptive practices during that time, an estimated four and a half thousand women may be eligible for compensation.

For eligibility, applicants must:

• Provide a “plausible account” detailing what happened.
• Demonstrate they resided in Greenland throughout the qualifying period.
• Declare on oath that they possessed no knowledge or consent for it to occur.

Perspectives from the Victims

One of the women, who was 14 when she was instructed to report for medical attention without explanation, said it like an assault.

“Our activism as speakers to the media proved successful,” she said. “We started in 2022 resulting in within three years we got an apology and financial acknowledgment.”

Another voice expressed happiness, stating, “This is a positive outcome. Like my mother said: it's a victory.” While some believe the compensation should have been greater, they expressed relief regarding the acknowledgment of past events.

Ministerial Responses

A Greenlandic minister called the settlement being “long overdue”. Stating clearly, “It is not primarily financial. It is about recognition of the injury and the very severe consequences.”

The relevant cabinet member conceded the scandal represent a “troubling period within the shared history”, noting that compensation “cannot remove the pain from the women” but it “helps to acknowledge and apologise for the experiences.”