Inuit Women Secure Legal Victory in Battle with Denmark over Coerced IUD Affair.
Victims of a past program where numerous of Greenlandic women and girls were forcibly fitted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) absent informed permission are declaring victory following their legal fight with the Danish government.
It has been confirmed the women will be eligible for financial redress from a reconciliation package.
Government Settlement Reached
Folketinget, along with the government, finalized a deal granting approximately 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek 300,000 DKK (ÂŁ35,000) per person.
The announcement follows a lengthy campaign led by 143 women that filed a lawsuit seeking damages for the pain and suffering they experienced, which they said was a violation of their personal rights.
Colonial Context
The Danish state administered Greenland as a colony until 1953 and retained control of its healthcare system until 1992.
Earlier this year, after years where it did not address the violations, Denmark made an expression of regret. The prime minister expressed sorrow for the “systemic discrimination” targeting Greenlandic females by the Danish healthcare system.
“It has had major impacts for the affected women who suffered both bodily and psychological harm,” said a government minister.
Compensation Procedure Details
The health ministry clarified those subjected to the procedure without their knowledge or consent between 1960 and 1991 can seek payment starting next year. The law is set to be enacted in June.
Based on the findings of an impartial inquiry of medical procedures during that time, an estimated 4,500 women are potentially entitled to the fund.
To qualify, the women must:
- Submit a “credible report” detailing what happened.
- Have lived on the island throughout the qualifying period.
- Declare on oath that they possessed no awareness nor gave permission for the procedure.
Voices of Survivors
One of the women, recalling being fourteen when she was told to report to the hospital for no clear reason, said the experience like a violation.
“Speaking out as speakers to the media has been effective,” she stated. “It began two years ago resulting in within three years we have secured an apology plus financial acknowledgment.”
Another perspective expressed happiness, saying, “We are happy. As my mother put it: we won.” Although some believe the amount could have been greater, they expressed relief regarding the acknowledgment of past events.
Official Responses
A Greenlandic official described the compensation being “well past due”. She emphasized, “This isn't primarily financial. It concerns recognition of the hurt and its profound implications.”
A Danish cabinet member acknowledged these events represent a “troubling period in our joint past”, noting that compensation “cannot remove the suffering from the women” but it “serves to acknowledge and express regret over the experiences.”
