Inuit Women Secure Legal Victory in Fight with the Danish State over Coerced IUD Injustice.

Survivors from a past program in which thousands of Greenlandic females, some minors were covertly implanted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent are declaring victory in their court battle with Copenhagen.

Officials have confirmed the women are now entitled to compensation via a reconciliation fund.

Parliamentary Agreement Finalized

Folketinget, and the government, finalized a deal that entitles approximately four thousand five hundred affected individuals the right to seek 300,000 DKK (£35,000) each.

This decision comes after a lengthy battle led by 143 women that initiated legal proceedings demanding compensation over the pain and suffering they had endured, which they said was a breach of their personal rights.

Historical Background

The Danish state administered Greenland as a colony until 1953 maintaining authority over its medical services until 1992.

In September, following a long period of failing to acknowledge the violations, the government made an expression of regret. The country's leader expressed sorrow over the “systemic discrimination” targeting women and girls within the Danish healthcare system.

“It has had major impacts on the Greenlandic women who suffered not only physical but also psychological harm,” stated the government minister.

Compensation Process Details

Authorities stated those subjected to the procedure covertly between 1960 and 1991 would be able to seek payment from April 2026. Relevant legislation will come into force by mid-year.

Based on results from a independent inquiry of medical procedures during that time, an estimated 4,500 women are potentially eligible for compensation.

For eligibility, applicants must:

• Submit a “credible report” detailing what happened.
• Demonstrate they resided in Greenland during the qualifying period.
• State on oath that they possessed no awareness nor gave permission for the procedure.

Voices from the Victims

One of the women, recalling being fourteen when she was told to go for medical attention without explanation, described it as feeling a violation.

“Speaking out as speakers to the media proved effective,” she said. “It began two years ago resulting in within three years we got an apology and compensation.”

A different perspective shared satisfaction, saying, “This is a positive outcome. As my mother put it: it's a victory.” Although some believe the compensation should have been greater, they expressed relief over the acknowledgment of past events.

Ministerial Reactions

An Inuit official called the compensation as “well past due”. Stating clearly, “It is not about the money. It is about recognition of the hurt and the very severe implications.”

The relevant health minister conceded these events was a “troubling period in our joint past”, adding that compensation “cannot remove the pain for survivors” yet it “helps to recognize and express regret over the experiences.”