Greenlandic Women Secure Judicial Victory in Fight against Denmark over Forced Contraceptive Coil Scandal.
Survivors from a historical campaign in which thousands of Inuit women and girls reportedly were covertly implanted using contraceptive coils without their knowledge or consent have claimed victory following their legal fight against Copenhagen.
It has been confirmed that they are now eligible for compensation via a settlement package.
Parliamentary Settlement Finalized
Folketinget, and the government, reached an agreement granting an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek 300,000 DKK (£35,000) per person.
The announcement comes after a three-year campaign led by a group of women who filed a lawsuit seeking compensation over the pain and suffering they had endured, arguing it constituted a breach of fundamental personal rights.
Colonial Context
Denmark ruled Greenland under colonial rule until 1953 and retained control of the island's medical services until 1992.
Earlier this year, following a long period of failing to address these actions, the government issued a formal expression of regret. The prime minister apologized over the “systemic discrimination” targeting Greenlandic females within the Danish healthcare system.
“These actions caused significant impacts on the Greenlandic women who suffered both bodily and psychological harm,” said a government minister.
Redress Procedure Outlined
The health ministry clarified that women who were given the procedure without their knowledge or consent during a thirty-one year period can seek payment starting next year. Relevant legislation will come into force by mid-year.
Based on results of an independent investigation into contraceptive practices during that time, roughly 4,500 individuals may be eligible for the fund.
For eligibility, the women must:
- Submit a “credible report” detailing what happened.
- Demonstrate they resided on the island throughout the specified timeframe.
- State under oath that they had no awareness or consent for it to occur.
Voices from the Survivors
One of the plaintiffs, recalling being 14 at the time she was told to report for medical attention for no clear reason, described the experience like a violation.
“Our activism as speakers and interviewees has been successful,” she stated. “We started two years ago resulting in a relatively short time we got an official apology plus financial acknowledgment.”
A different voice shared satisfaction, stating, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: it's a victory.” Although there is a view the amount should have been greater, there is relief over the acknowledgment of past events.
Ministerial Responses
A Greenlandic official described the settlement as “long overdue”. Stating clearly, “This isn't about the money. It concerns recognition of the injury and its profound implications.”
The relevant cabinet member conceded these events was a “troubling period in our joint past”, adding while redress “will not erase the pain from the women” but it “helps to acknowledge and apologise for what they endured.”
