Denmark Apologizes to Greenlandic Women for Forced Contraception Scandal
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen formally apologized to dozens of women in Greenland for a decades-long scandal involving the forced insertion of contraceptive coils, or IUDs, into thousands of Inuit women and girls. The controversial birth control program occurred during the 1960s and 70s, a period when Denmark oversaw healthcare in Greenland. The apology was delivered at a ceremony in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The scandal has strained relations between Denmark and Greenland for years.
The Apology and Its Reception
Mette Frederiksen's apology was an emotional one, with the Prime Minister expressing remorse for the "injustice that was committed" against Greenlanders. One woman protested during the speech, standing with her back to the prime minister and a black handprint painted across her mouth. While some affected women welcomed the apology, others felt it was insufficient, especially as it lacked immediate mention of compensation. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also apologized for cases of IUD insertions and other medical procedures performed without consent since Greenland assumed responsibility for its healthcare system.
"Dear women. Dear families. Dear Greenland. Today there is only one right thing to say to you. Sorry," - Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark
Details of the Scandal and the Inquiry
An official inquiry revealed that at least 4,000 women had coils implanted by 1970. Shockingly, some girls were as young as 12 and had IUDs fitted without their knowledge or consent. Researchers suggest that the policy aimed to curb population growth in Greenland. The Danish Institute for Human Rights reports that contraceptive procedures are still being performed in Greenland without the consent of girls and women today. Naja Lyberth, one of the first Inuit Greenlanders to speak out about the scandal, stated that the apology is crucial for moving forward.
Calls for Compensation and Reconciliation
Many victims are seeking compensation for the trauma and physical complications they endured, with a lawsuit filed by a group of 143 women demanding compensation for human rights violations. The apology coincides with plans to establish a "reconciliation fund," but details on eligibility and timing remain unclear. While some women view the apology as a step toward reconciliation, others believe more concrete actions, such as compensation, are necessary. Aviaq Petersen, who had an IUD inserted without her knowledge, is skeptical about the timing of the apology but hopes for a formal reconciliation process.
Historical Context and Geopolitical Implications
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and gained home rule in 1979, assuming control of its healthcare system in 1992. The apology comes at a time when the United States, particularly under former President Donald Trump, has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, adding geopolitical complexity to the situation. Denmark is also seeking to mend relations with Greenland's independence movement. Denmark and Greenland signed an “economic development“ agreement that will see Denmark commit 1.6 billion Danish krone (£187 million) over the next four years.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victims | Over 4,000 Inuit women and girls |
| Time Period | 1960s-1970s (and potentially later) |
| Location | Greenland |
| Response | Official apology from Denmark and Greenland, planned reconciliation fund, lawsuits |
