Greenlandic Women Achieve Judicial Victory in Fight with Denmark regarding Forced Contraceptive Coil Injustice.
Victims from a historical campaign where thousands comprising Greenlandic women and girls were forcibly fitted with contraceptive coils absent informed permission have claimed victory following their legal fight against the Danish government.
Officials have announced that they will be entitled to financial redress from a reconciliation fund.
Government Settlement Reached
Folketinget, along with the government, reached an agreement granting approximately 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek 300,000 DKK (ÂŁ35,000) per person.
The decision follows a lengthy battle by a group of women who filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for the trauma and distress they had endured, arguing it was a breach of their personal rights.
Colonial Background
Denmark ruled Greenland under colonial rule until 1953 and retained authority over its healthcare system until 1992.
In September, after years where it did not address these actions, Denmark made an official apology. The prime minister expressed sorrow for the “systemic discrimination” against Greenlandic females by the state medical apparatus.
“These actions caused significant consequences for the Greenlandic women who suffered not only bodily but also psychological harm,” stated the government minister.
Redress Procedure Outlined
The health ministry stated those who were given contraception covertly between 1960 and 1991 can seek compensation starting next year. Relevant legislation will come into force by mid-year.
Based on the findings from a independent investigation into medical procedures during that time, an estimated 4,500 women may be eligible for compensation.
For eligibility, applicants will need to:
- Provide a “plausible account” detailing what happened.
- Demonstrate they resided in Greenland during the qualifying period.
- Declare on oath that they possessed no awareness nor gave permission for it to occur.
Voices of Survivors
A women, who was 14 at the time she was told to report to the hospital for no clear reason, described the experience like a violation.
“Speaking out publicly to the media proved effective,” she said. “It began in 2022 and now within three years we have secured an official apology and financial acknowledgment.”
Another perspective expressed satisfaction, stating, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: it's a victory.” While some believe the amount should have been higher, they expressed relief regarding the acknowledgment of past events.
Official Reactions
An Inuit minister called the compensation being “well past due”. Stating clearly, “It is not about the money. It concerns formal acknowledgment of the injury and the very severe consequences.”
The relevant health minister conceded these events was a “dark chapter in our shared history”, adding while redress “cannot remove the pain from the women” yet it “serves to recognize and apologise for what they endured.”
