Greenlandic Females Claim Judicial Triumph in Fight against the Danish State regarding Forced IUD Affair.
Survivors of a past campaign where thousands comprising Inuit women and girls reportedly were covertly implanted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent are declaring a win following their court battle against the Danish government.
It has been confirmed that they are now eligible for compensation via a reconciliation fund.
Parliamentary Settlement Finalized
The Danish parliament, along with the government, finalized a deal that entitles approximately 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek kr. 300,000 (£35,000) per person.
The decision comes after a lengthy campaign by 143 claimants that filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for the trauma and distress they experienced, which they said constituted a breach of their personal rights.
Colonial Context
The Danish state administered the territory as a colony for decades maintaining control of the island's healthcare system until 1992.
Earlier this year, following a long period where it did not acknowledge the violations, the government issued a formal expression of regret. The prime minister apologized for the “institutional prejudice” against women and girls within the state medical apparatus.
“These actions caused significant impacts on the Greenlandic women who have experienced both bodily but also psychological harm,” said a senior official.
Redress Process Outlined
Authorities clarified those subjected to the procedure without their knowledge or consent during a thirty-one year period can apply for compensation starting next year. Relevant legislation is set to be enacted by mid-year.
Based on results of an impartial inquiry into contraceptive practices during that time, an estimated four and a half thousand individuals may be eligible for the fund.
For eligibility, applicants will need to:
- Provide a “credible report” detailing what happened.
- Have lived in Greenland throughout the qualifying period.
- State under oath that they had no knowledge nor gave permission for it to occur.
Voices from the Survivors
A plaintiffs, recalling being fourteen at the time she was told to report for medical attention without explanation, described it as feeling an assault.
“Our activism publicly to the media proved effective,” she said. “We started in 2022 and now within three years we got an apology plus compensation.”
A different voice expressed happiness, stating, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: it's a victory.” Although there is a view the compensation could have been greater, they expressed relief regarding the recognition of past events.
Official Responses
A Greenlandic official called the compensation being “well past due”. She emphasized, “It is not about the money. It is about recognition of the hurt and the very severe consequences.”
A Danish health minister conceded the scandal represent a “dark chapter within the joint past”, adding while redress “cannot remove the suffering for survivors” yet it “helps to acknowledge and express regret over the experiences.”