Survivors of a historical program in which thousands of Greenlandic females, some minors reportedly were forcibly fitted with contraceptive coils without their knowledge or consent are declaring a win following their legal fight against the Danish government.
It has been confirmed that they will be eligible for compensation via a reconciliation package.
Government Agreement Reached
Folketinget, and state authorities, finalized a deal that entitles an estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women to claim kr. 300,000 (around thirty-five thousand pounds) each.
This announcement follows a three-year campaign led by 143 women who initiated legal proceedings seeking compensation for the pain and suffering they had endured, arguing it constituted a violation of fundamental personal rights.
Historical Background
The Danish state administered the territory as a colony for decades and retained control of its medical services until 1992.
In September, after years of failing to acknowledge these actions, the government issued a formal expression of regret. The prime minister expressed sorrow over the “systemic discrimination” targeting women and girls by the Danish healthcare system.
“These actions caused significant impacts on the Greenlandic women who suffered not only physical but also psychological harm,” stated the senior official.
Compensation Procedure Outlined
Authorities stated those subjected to contraception covertly during a thirty-one year period can seek compensation starting next year. Relevant legislation will come into force in June.
According to the findings of an impartial investigation of medical procedures from that era, roughly four and a half thousand women are potentially entitled to the fund.
To qualify, the women must:
- Submit a “plausible account” of the incident.
- Have lived on the island throughout the qualifying period.
- State under oath that they possessed no awareness or consent for it to occur.
Voices of Survivors
One of the plaintiffs, who was 14 at the time she was instructed to go to the hospital for no clear reason, said the experience as feeling an assault.
“Speaking out as speakers to the media has been successful,” she said. “We started in 2022 and now a relatively short time we have secured an apology and compensation.”
Another perspective expressed happiness, stating, “We are happy. Like my mother said: we won.” While some believe the amount should have been higher, they expressed relief over the recognition of what happened.
Ministerial Reactions
An Inuit minister described the settlement being “well past due”. Stating clearly, “This isn't about the money. It concerns recognition of the injury and its very severe consequences.”
A Danish health minister conceded these events represent a “dark chapter within the joint past”, adding that compensation “will not erase the suffering from the women” yet it “helps to acknowledge and express regret over the experiences.”
