Greenlandic Women Secure Judicial Victory in Struggle against the Danish State over Coerced Contraceptive Coil Affair.

Survivors from a past program in which thousands comprising Inuit women and girls reportedly were covertly implanted using contraceptive coils without their knowledge or consent have claimed a win in their legal fight with the Danish government.

It has been announced that they will be eligible for compensation from a settlement fund.

Parliamentary Agreement Finalized

Folketinget, along with state authorities, finalized a deal granting approximately 4,500 Greenlandic women to claim kr. 300,000 (£35,000) each.

This decision comes after a lengthy battle led by 143 claimants that initiated legal proceedings demanding compensation for the trauma and distress they experienced, which they said constituted a violation of their human rights.

Colonial Background

Denmark administered the territory under colonial rule until 1953 and retained control of its medical services into the late 20th century.

In September, following a long period where it did not acknowledge these actions, Denmark issued a formal expression of regret. The country's leader apologized over the “systemic discrimination” against Greenlandic females by the state medical apparatus.

“It has had major impacts on the Greenlandic women who have experienced not only physical and psychological harm,” said a government minister.

Compensation Process Details

The health ministry stated that women subjected to the procedure covertly between 1960 and 1991 can seek compensation starting next year. The law is set to be enacted by mid-year.

Based on results from a independent inquiry into medical procedures during that time, roughly 4,500 women are potentially entitled to compensation.

To qualify, applicants will need to:

• Submit a “credible report” of the incident.
• Demonstrate they resided on the island throughout the qualifying period.
• Declare under oath that they possessed no knowledge or consent for the procedure.

Voices from the Victims

One of the plaintiffs, recalling being fourteen at the time she was instructed to report for medical attention for no clear reason, said the experience as feeling an assault.

“Speaking out publicly and interviewees proved effective,” she stated. “We started in 2022 resulting in a relatively short time we got an apology and financial acknowledgment.”

Another voice shared satisfaction, stating, “We are happy. Like my mother said: it's a victory.” Although there is a view the amount could have been higher, there is contentment over the acknowledgment of past events.

Ministerial Responses

A Greenlandic official described the compensation being “long overdue”. She emphasized, “It is not primarily financial. It concerns recognition of the injury and the very severe consequences.”

The relevant health minister conceded the scandal represent a “dark chapter within the joint past”, noting that compensation “will not erase the suffering for survivors” yet it “helps to recognize and apologise for the experiences.”