Greenlandic Women Secure Judicial Victory over Fight with Denmark regarding Forced IUD Injustice.
Victims of a historical program in which thousands comprising Greenlandic females, some minors were forcibly fitted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) absent informed permission are declaring a win following their court battle with Copenhagen.
Officials have confirmed the women will be eligible for compensation via a reconciliation package.
Parliamentary Agreement Reached
Folketinget, and the government, finalized a deal granting an estimated 4,500 affected individuals to claim kr. 300,000 (£35,000) each.
The decision comes after a lengthy battle led by a group of claimants that initiated legal proceedings demanding compensation over the pain and suffering they had endured, arguing it constituted a breach of their personal rights.
Historical Context
Denmark ruled the territory under colonial rule until 1953 and retained authority over the island's medical services into the late 20th century.
In September, after years where it did not address these actions, Denmark made an official apology. The country's leader apologized for the “institutional prejudice” against Greenlandic females by the state medical apparatus.
“These actions caused major consequences on the affected women who have experienced not only physical but also psychological harm,” said a senior official.
Compensation Process Outlined
The health ministry stated that women who were given contraception covertly between 1960 and 1991 would be able to seek payment starting next year. The law is set to be enacted in June.
According to the findings from a independent inquiry into contraceptive practices during that time, roughly 4,500 individuals may be eligible for compensation.
For eligibility, applicants will need to:
- Provide a “plausible account” detailing what happened.
- Demonstrate they resided on the island during the specified timeframe.
- Declare on oath that they had no awareness nor gave permission for it to occur.
Perspectives from the Victims
One of the plaintiffs, who was fourteen when she was instructed to go for medical attention without explanation, said the experience like a violation.
“Our activism as speakers to the media has been successful,” she said. “It began in 2022 and now a relatively short time we got an official apology plus compensation.”
Another perspective shared satisfaction, stating, “We are happy. As my mother put it: it's a victory.” Although there is a view the amount could have been greater, they expressed contentment over the recognition of past events.
Ministerial Reactions
An Inuit official called the compensation as “long overdue”. Stating clearly, “This isn't about the money. It is about formal acknowledgment of the hurt and its very severe consequences.”
The relevant health minister acknowledged the scandal represent a “troubling period in our shared history”, noting while redress “cannot remove the pain from the women” but it “serves to recognize and apologise for the experiences.”
