Inuit Females Achieve Judicial Triumph in Battle with the Danish State regarding Forced IUD Injustice.

Survivors from a historical program where thousands of Inuit females, some minors reportedly were forcibly fitted using intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent have claimed victory in their court battle against Copenhagen.

It has been confirmed that they are now entitled to compensation via a settlement fund.

Parliamentary Agreement Reached

Folketinget, and the government, reached an agreement granting an estimated 4,500 affected individuals the right to seek kr. 300,000 (£35,000) each.

This decision comes after a three-year campaign by a group of women that filed a lawsuit demanding compensation over the trauma and distress they experienced, which they said was a breach of fundamental human rights.

Colonial Context

Denmark administered the territory under colonial rule for decades and retained authority over the island's medical services until 1992.

In September, following a long period of failing to acknowledge the violations, Denmark issued a formal expression of regret. The country's leader expressed sorrow over the “systemic discrimination” targeting women and girls by the state medical apparatus.

“It has had major impacts for the Greenlandic women who have experienced not only bodily but also mental trauma,” said a senior official.

Compensation Process Outlined

Authorities stated those who were given the procedure covertly between 1960 and 1991 can seek compensation from April 2026. Relevant legislation will come into force in June.

According to results of an impartial investigation of medical procedures during that time, an estimated 4,500 individuals may be entitled to the fund.

For eligibility, applicants will need to:

• Provide a “credible report” of the incident.
• Have lived in Greenland during the qualifying period.
• State under oath that they had no knowledge or consent for the procedure.

Voices from the Victims

A plaintiffs, who was 14 at the time she was told to report to the hospital without explanation, described it like a violation.

“Speaking out publicly and interviewees proved successful,” she said. “It began two years ago resulting in within three years we got an official apology plus compensation.”

Another voice shared satisfaction, saying, “We are happy. Like my mother said: we won.” Although there is a view the compensation should have been higher, there is relief regarding the recognition of what happened.

Ministerial Reactions

A Greenlandic minister called the settlement as “well past due”. Stating clearly, “It is not about the money. It is about formal acknowledgment of the hurt and the very severe consequences.”

The relevant cabinet member acknowledged these events represent a “dark chapter within the joint past”, adding while redress “cannot remove the pain for survivors” yet it “helps to acknowledge and express regret over what they endured.”