Denmark's Apology for Contraceptive Violations in Greenland

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:17:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expresses regret to Inuit women subjected to forced contraception practices, acknowledging the physical and psychological harm caused.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has officially apologized to the Greenlandic Inuit women impacted by a controversial contraceptive program that affected thousands during the 1960s and 70s. The apology comes after years of advocacy by victims and highlights a history of systemic discrimination and human rights violations faced by Greenlanders under Danish colonial rule. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between Denmark and Greenland, prompting calls for accountability and compensation for those affected.

Denmark Apologizes to Greenland's Victims of Forced Contraception

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a long-awaited apology to the Greenlandic women and their families affected by what she called 'systematic discrimination' during a contraceptive campaign. In the 1960s and 70s, thousands of Inuit women and girls as young as 12 were fitted with contraceptive devices, as part of a birth-control program administered by Danish doctors.

Frederiksen stated, 'We cannot change what has happened. But we can take responsibility,' acknowledging that victims had 'experienced both physical and psychological harm.'

The full extent of the birth-control program was first revealed in 2022 through an investigative podcast named Spiralkampagnen - the coil campaign. Many women reported that they were fitted with an intra-uterine device (IUD) without their knowledge or consent, leading to calls for justice and compensation.

Exploratory investigations revealed that between 1966 and 1970, 4,500 women and girls had an IUD implanted, raising serious concerns about consent. Several women have shared their traumatic experiences, highlighting violations of their human rights. A group of 143 women has since filed a lawsuit against the Danish state for compensation, with many being under 18 at the time of the procedures.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the apology 'belated,' emphasizing the need for accountability regarding historical injustices. This incident brings to light broader controversies surrounding Danish policies toward Greenland, including forced adoptions and colonial practices affecting Indigenous populations.

Naja Lyberth, a psychologist, remarked on the need for reflection on the government's actions, while also underlining the necessity for compensation towards affected women.

Frederiksen's acknowledgment and commitment to investigating the complete scope of the scandal symbolize a step towards rectifying historical grievances, but many assert that the journey toward justice is far from over.