Danish Prime Minister Apologizes in Greenland for Historical Forced Contraception of Inuit Women

Danish PM Delivers Historic Apology in Nuuk

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen formally apologized on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Nuuk, Greenland, for the historical forced contraception of thousands of Inuit women and girls by Danish authorities. Speaking at the Katuaq cultural center, Frederiksen addressed the victims of the decades-long 'coil campaign' that saw intrauterine devices (IUDs) implanted without their consent.

Decades of Forced Contraception Unveiled

The controversial 'coil campaign,' also known as the 'spiral case,' was orchestrated by Danish authorities from the late 1960s until 1992. Its objective was to reduce the Inuit birth rate and control Greenland's population growth, often without the knowledge or consent of the affected individuals. An official inquiry concluded that at least 4,000 women had an IUD implanted by 1970, representing approximately half of the Greenlandic females of childbearing age at the time. Some estimates suggest the number could be as high as 4,500 women and girls. Disturbingly, girls as young as 12 years old were subjected to these procedures.

Profound Impact and Lingering Trauma

The forced implantation of IUDs led to severe and lasting consequences for many Inuit women. Victims reported experiencing significant physical complications, including pain, bleeding, infections, and in many cases, infertility. Beyond the physical toll, the campaign inflicted deep psychological trauma, with many women suffering from feelings of shame and emotional distress. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as 'one of the darkest chapters in the country's history.'

Steps Towards Reconciliation and Justice

During her address, Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed profound regret, stating, 'Sorry for the injustice that was committed against you. Because you were Greenlanders. Sorry for what was taken from you. And for the pain it caused. On behalf of Denmark. Sorry.' This in-person apology follows a written statement issued in late August 2025 and is considered a significant step in the reconciliation process. Denmark has also announced the creation of a 'reconciliation fund' aimed at providing compensation to the victims and other Greenlanders who experienced systemic discrimination due to their Inuit heritage. Meanwhile, a lawsuit initiated by nearly 150 Inuit women against the Danish state for human rights violations remains ongoing, seeking further justice and reparations. A joint Danish-Greenlandic investigation into the campaign, launched in 2022, is expected to conclude in 2026.