Greenlandic Women Claim Legal Triumph in Fight with Denmark over Forced Contraceptive Coil Affair.

Survivors from a historical campaign where numerous of Inuit females, some minors were covertly implanted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent are declaring victory in their court battle with the Danish government.

Officials have announced that they will be eligible for compensation via a reconciliation fund.

Government Agreement Reached

The Danish parliament, along with the government, reached an agreement granting an estimated four thousand five hundred Greenlandic women to claim kr. 300,000 (£35,000) per person.

The announcement comes after a lengthy battle led by 143 women who filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced, arguing it constituted a violation of fundamental human rights.

Colonial Background

The Danish state administered Greenland under colonial rule until 1953 maintaining control of its healthcare system into the late 20th century.

In September, after years of failing to address these actions, Denmark issued a formal official apology. The country's leader apologized over the “systemic discrimination” targeting women and girls by the Danish healthcare system.

“These actions caused major consequences for the Greenlandic women who suffered not only physical and mental trauma,” said a government minister.

Redress Procedure Outlined

The health ministry clarified those who were given the procedure without their knowledge or consent during a thirty-one year period can seek payment starting next year. The law is set to be enacted by mid-year.

According to the findings of an impartial inquiry of contraceptive practices from that era, an estimated 4,500 individuals may be eligible for the fund.

To qualify, the women will need to:

• Submit a “credible report” of the incident.
• Have lived on the island during the qualifying period.
• Declare under oath that they possessed no knowledge nor gave permission for it to occur.

Perspectives of Victims

One of the plaintiffs, recalling being 14 when she was told to go for medical attention without explanation, described it as feeling an assault.

“Speaking out publicly to the media proved effective,” she said. “It began two years ago and now a relatively short time we have secured an apology and financial acknowledgment.”

A different voice expressed happiness, stating, “This is a positive outcome. Like my mother said: we won.” While there is a view the compensation should have been higher, they expressed relief regarding the recognition of past events.

Official Reactions

A Greenlandic official called the compensation as “well past due”. Stating clearly, “This isn't primarily financial. It concerns recognition of the injury and its profound consequences.”

The relevant health minister conceded the scandal was a “dark chapter within the shared history”, adding that compensation “cannot remove the pain from the women” yet it “helps to recognize and apologise for what they endured.”