Story perspectives

Denmark Apologizes for Coerced Contraception in Greenland

9/12/2025

50 7

Summary

Story summary

Danish health officials coerced contraception on Greenlandic women from the 1960s to 1980s, affecting nearly half of the childbearing population.
Over 350 women reported around 500 incidents of coercive contraception, including IUD insertions and injections.
Victims, aged 12 to 37, experienced severe pain and long-term health issues, with some unable to conceive.
In 2024, 150 Inuit women filed a class-action lawsuit against Denmark for human rights violations.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged this dark history and issued an apology.

1 of 1

Story summary

Danish health officials coerced contraception on Greenlandic women from the 1960s to 1980s, affecting nearly half of the childbearing population.
Over 350 women reported around 500 incidents of coercive contraception, including IUD insertions and injections.
Victims, aged 12 to 37, experienced severe pain and long-term health issues, with some unable to conceive.
In 2024, 150 Inuit women filed a class-action lawsuit against Denmark for human rights violations.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged this dark history and issued an apology.