Survivors from a historical program where thousands of Inuit women and girls reportedly were covertly implanted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent are declaring a win in their legal fight against Copenhagen.
Officials have confirmed the women will be eligible for financial redress from a settlement fund.
Folketinget, along with state authorities, reached an agreement that entitles an estimated four thousand five hundred Greenlandic women to claim 300,000 DKK (around thirty-five thousand pounds) per person.
This decision comes after a lengthy battle by 143 claimants that filed a lawsuit demanding compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced, arguing it was a violation of their human rights.
The Danish state administered the territory as a colony for decades and retained authority over its medical services into the late 20th century.
In September, following a long period of failing to acknowledge these actions, the government issued a formal official apology. The country's leader apologized over the “systemic discrimination” targeting women and girls by the state medical apparatus.
“These actions caused major impacts on the affected women who suffered both physical and mental trauma,” said a government minister.
Authorities clarified those subjected to the procedure without their knowledge or consent between 1960 and 1991 can seek compensation from April 2026. Relevant legislation is set to be enacted by mid-year.
According to the findings of an impartial inquiry into medical procedures during that time, an estimated 4,500 women may be eligible for the fund.
For eligibility, the women must:
A plaintiffs, who was 14 at the time she was told to go to the hospital without explanation, said the experience like an assault.
“Speaking out as speakers to the media has been successful,” she stated. “It began in 2022 and now within three years we got an apology and compensation.”
Another perspective expressed satisfaction, saying, “We are happy. Like my mother said: we won.” While there is a view the compensation should have been higher, they expressed relief over the acknowledgment of what happened.
An Inuit official described the settlement as “well past due”. Stating clearly, “It is not primarily financial. It is about formal acknowledgment of the injury and its profound implications.”
The relevant cabinet member conceded these events was a “troubling period in our joint past”, noting that compensation “will not erase the suffering for survivors” but it “serves to acknowledge and apologise for what they endured.”
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