Greenlandic Women Achieve Judicial Victory in Fight against Denmark over Coerced IUD Scandal.

Victims from a past campaign in which numerous of Greenlandic women and girls reportedly were covertly implanted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent are declaring a win in their legal fight with Copenhagen.

Officials have confirmed that they are now entitled to compensation from a settlement fund.

Parliamentary Settlement Finalized

Folketinget, along with the government, finalized a deal that entitles an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek kr. 300,000 (£35,000) each.

This announcement comes after a three-year battle led by 143 women that filed a lawsuit seeking damages over the trauma and distress they had endured, which they said was a violation of their personal rights.

Historical Context

The Danish state ruled the territory under colonial rule for decades and retained control of its medical services until 1992.

In September, following a long period where it did not acknowledge these actions, the government made an expression of regret. The country's leader expressed sorrow for the “institutional prejudice” against women and girls by the state medical apparatus.

“These actions caused significant consequences for the affected women who suffered both physical but also psychological harm,” stated the senior official.

Redress Process Outlined

Authorities stated that women who were given contraception covertly between 1960 and 1991 would be able to apply for payment starting next year. Relevant legislation will come into force by mid-year.

According to results of an independent investigation of contraceptive practices from that era, roughly 4,500 women are potentially entitled to the fund.

For eligibility, applicants must:

• Submit a “plausible account” of the incident.
• Have lived on the island during the specified timeframe.
• Declare on oath that they had no knowledge or consent for it to occur.

Perspectives of Survivors

A plaintiffs, who was fourteen at the time she was instructed to report to the hospital for no clear reason, described the experience like an assault.

“Speaking out as speakers to the media proved effective,” she said. “We started in 2022 resulting in within three years we got an apology and financial acknowledgment.”

Another perspective expressed happiness, saying, “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 over the acknowledgment of what happened.

Official Responses

An Inuit official described the compensation being “well past due”. Stating clearly, “It is not primarily financial. It is about formal acknowledgment of the injury and its very severe implications.”

The relevant cabinet member acknowledged these events was a “dark chapter in our joint past”, noting that compensation “will not erase the pain for survivors” but it “serves to acknowledge and express regret over what they endured.”