Inuit Women Secure Judicial Victory in Fight with the Danish State regarding Coerced Contraceptive Coil Affair.

Victims from a past program where thousands of Greenlandic women and girls reportedly were covertly implanted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent are declaring victory following their legal fight with the Danish government.

Officials have announced the women will be eligible for compensation via a settlement fund.

Government Settlement Finalized

Folketinget, and state authorities, reached an agreement granting approximately 4,500 Greenlandic women the right to seek kr. 300,000 (£35,000) each.

The decision comes after a three-year battle led by a group of women that initiated legal proceedings seeking damages for the pain and suffering they experienced, arguing it constituted a violation of fundamental personal rights.

Historical Context

The Danish state ruled Greenland as a colony until 1953 and retained control of the island's healthcare system until 1992.

In September, after years where it did not address the violations, the government issued a formal expression of regret. The country's leader expressed sorrow over the “institutional prejudice” targeting Greenlandic females by the Danish healthcare system.

“These actions caused major impacts for the affected women who have experienced not only physical and psychological harm,” said a senior official.

Redress Procedure Outlined

Authorities clarified that women who were given contraception covertly during a thirty-one year period can apply for payment starting next year. The law will come into force by mid-year.

According to the findings of an independent investigation of medical procedures during that time, roughly four and a half thousand women may be eligible for the fund.

For eligibility, applicants must:

• Provide a “credible report” of the incident.
• Have lived on the island throughout the specified timeframe.
• State on oath that they possessed no knowledge or consent for it to occur.

Voices of Survivors

A women, recalling being 14 at the time she was instructed to go to the hospital without explanation, described it like an assault.

“Speaking out publicly and interviewees has been effective,” she stated. “We started in 2022 and now within three years we have secured an apology plus compensation.”

A different voice shared satisfaction, saying, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: we won.” While some believe the compensation could have been greater, they expressed relief regarding the recognition of what happened.

Official Reactions

An Inuit minister described the compensation being “well past due”. She emphasized, “This isn't primarily financial. It concerns recognition of the injury and its very severe consequences.”

A Danish cabinet member conceded these events represent a “troubling period in our shared history”, noting that compensation “will not erase the pain from the women” but it “serves to acknowledge and apologise for the experiences.”