Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has formally apologized to a group of Inuit women in Greenland for a historical scandal involving the forced implementation of contraceptive coils as part of a controversial birth control initiative from the 1960s and 70s. Speaking in Nuuk, she addressed the women, their families, and the community, stating, “Sorry for the injustice that was committed against you… Sorry for what was taken from you. And for the pain it caused,” on behalf of Denmark.
An official inquiry revealed that at least 4,000 women had received the coils by 1970, which represented approximately half of the childbearing-age female population in Greenland. The investigation found that in over 300 cases, IUDs were fitted without the consent or even knowledge of women and girls as young as 12. While some welcomed the apology, others, such as Naja Lyberth—who has been vocal about the issue—expressed disappointment that the inquiry did not fully address potential human rights violations.
Although Frederiksen acknowledged the trauma experienced by many women, including physical complications that affected their ability to have children, some women felt that her apology lacked substance regarding future reparations. Elisa Christensen, who attended the event, noted the absence of discussions about compensation, describing the sentiment as “almost empty words.” Ahead of the apology, Frederiksen announced intentions to establish a “reconciliation fund,” although details about its implementation and the number of beneficiaries remain unclear.
The IUD controversy is part of a broader dialogue about Denmark’s historical treatment of Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953, subsequently evolving into a county until gaining home rule in 1979. Recent tensions have been exacerbated by ongoing scrutiny of Danish practices, including forced adoptions and the removal of children from families. The case of a young Greenlandic mother and her newborn daughter sparked significant public outrage, leading to a reversal of a previous decision separating them shortly after birth.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80gxd4x0z5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss