Inuit Females Claim Judicial Victory over Battle with the Danish State over Coerced IUD Scandal.
Survivors of a past program where thousands comprising Inuit females, some minors were forcibly fitted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) absent informed permission are declaring a win following their legal fight against the Danish government.
It has been confirmed that they will be eligible for compensation from a reconciliation fund.
Government Agreement Reached
Folketinget, and the government, finalized a deal granting an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women to claim 300,000 DKK (£35,000) per person.
This decision follows a three-year campaign by a group of claimants that initiated legal proceedings seeking damages for the pain and suffering they had endured, arguing it constituted a violation of fundamental human rights.
Historical Background
Denmark ruled the territory under colonial rule until 1953 and retained authority over its medical services until 1992.
In September, following a long period where it did not address the violations, Denmark issued a formal expression of regret. The prime minister expressed sorrow over the “systemic discrimination” against Greenlandic females within the state medical apparatus.
“These actions caused major impacts for the affected women who suffered both physical and mental trauma,” said a senior official.
Redress Process Details
Authorities stated that women who were given contraception without their knowledge or consent between 1960 and 1991 can seek payment from April 2026. Relevant legislation will come into force by mid-year.
Based on the findings of an impartial inquiry of medical procedures from that era, an estimated 4,500 individuals may be entitled to the fund.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Submit a “credible report” of the incident.
- Demonstrate they resided in Greenland during the qualifying period.
- Declare under oath that they had no awareness nor gave permission for the procedure.
Voices from the Victims
One of the plaintiffs, recalling being fourteen when she was told to go for medical attention without explanation, said it like a violation.
“Our activism as speakers to the media has been effective,” she said. “We started in 2022 resulting in a relatively short time we got an apology and financial acknowledgment.”
Another perspective expressed happiness, stating, “We are happy. Like my mother said: it's a victory.” While some believe the compensation should have been higher, there is contentment over the acknowledgment of what happened.
Official Responses
A Greenlandic minister called the compensation as “long overdue”. Stating clearly, “It is not about the money. It is about formal acknowledgment of the injury and its very severe implications.”
A Danish cabinet member acknowledged these events was a “dark chapter within the joint past”, noting while redress “cannot remove the suffering from the women” but it “helps to recognize and apologise for the experiences.”