Inuit Women Achieve Judicial Triumph over Fight with the Danish State over Forced IUD Scandal.
Survivors of a historical campaign in which thousands of Greenlandic females, some minors reportedly were covertly implanted with contraceptive coils absent informed permission have claimed victory following their legal fight with the Danish government.
Officials have confirmed the women are now entitled to compensation via a settlement package.
Government Agreement Reached
The Danish parliament, and state authorities, finalized a deal granting an estimated 4,500 affected individuals to claim 300,000 DKK (£35,000) each.
The announcement comes after a lengthy campaign by 143 claimants that filed a lawsuit demanding damages for the trauma and distress they experienced, arguing it was a breach of their human rights.
Historical Background
Denmark ruled Greenland as a colony until 1953 maintaining authority over its healthcare system into the late 20th century.
In September, after years where it did not address these actions, Denmark made an expression of regret. The country's leader apologized over the “institutional prejudice” targeting Greenlandic females by the Danish healthcare system.
“It has had significant impacts for the Greenlandic women who have experienced both bodily and psychological harm,” said a government minister.
Redress Process Details
Authorities clarified that women subjected to contraception without their knowledge or consent during a thirty-one year period can seek compensation starting next year. Relevant legislation is set to be enacted in June.
Based on results of an independent inquiry of contraceptive practices during that time, an estimated four and a half thousand individuals are potentially eligible for compensation.
For eligibility, applicants must:
- Provide a “plausible account” of the incident.
- Have lived on the island during the qualifying period.
- State under oath that they possessed no knowledge or consent for the procedure.
Perspectives from the Survivors
A women, who was fourteen at the time she was instructed to go for medical attention without explanation, said the experience as feeling a violation.
“Our activism publicly to the media has been effective,” she said. “It began two years ago and now a relatively short time we have secured an apology and compensation.”
Another voice shared happiness, saying, “This is a positive outcome. Like my mother said: we won.” Although there is a view the compensation could have been higher, there is contentment over the acknowledgment of what happened.
Official Responses
A Greenlandic minister described the settlement being “long overdue”. Stating clearly, “It is not about the money. It is about recognition of the hurt and its very severe consequences.”
The relevant cabinet member conceded these events represent a “dark chapter in our shared history”, noting while redress “cannot remove the pain from the women” yet it “helps to acknowledge and express regret over what they endured.”
