Denmark Forced Contraception on Greenlandic Women for Decades
Prime Minister Frederiksen Issues Apology to Improve Relations
"Serious Consequences Remain"
Reconciliation Fund to Be Established
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen personally met with victims of forced contraception in Greenland and issued an apology. According to Yonhap News, on the 24th (local time), Prime Minister Frederiksen visited Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, and stated, "I apologize for the wrongdoings committed against you simply because you are Greenlandic." She further emphasized, "What the Danish government did in the past was an act of betrayal that caused serious consequences for Greenlandic girls," adding, "I apologize on behalf of Denmark."
Many of the victims present at the event reportedly shed tears as they listened to Prime Minister Frederiksen's remarks. One victim told AFP, "In my youth, I experienced two ectopic pregnancies and underwent several surgeries, all of which were related to the intrauterine device (IUD) insertions performed by Denmark." She added, "Hearing the apology in person was extremely important in the process of healing my pain," and continued, "Now, I feel I can live without letting hatred, anger, or negative emotions consume me."
Previously, it was revealed that the Danish government had performed IUD insertions on approximately 4,500 Greenlandic Inuit women in an attempt to curb the indigenous population growth. Last year, about 150 Inuit women from Greenland filed a lawsuit against the Danish government, claiming that their human rights were violated through non-consensual IUD insertions. A joint investigation by the University of Greenland and the University of Southern Denmark found that Danish doctors had performed these procedures on Greenlandic women for over 30 years, from the late 1960s until 1992.
On the 23rd, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her spouse arrived at Nuuk Airport in Greenland. Photo by AP Yonhap News
This issue has been considered a stumbling block in the relationship between Denmark and Greenland. In January, after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention to incorporate Greenland as American territory, Denmark has been making efforts to improve its relationship with Greenland. As the controversy became public, Prime Minister Frederiksen stated last month, "We cannot change what happened, but we can take responsibility. I apologize on behalf of Denmark."
Her recent direct apology to the victims is seen as an extension of these efforts. Additionally, the Danish government plans to establish a "reconciliation fund" to provide compensation to the victims.
Greenland, rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas resources, was under Danish rule for about 300 years from the 18th century until it was incorporated as part of Denmark in 1953, ending its colonial status. Following a referendum in November 2008 to expand autonomy and the enactment of the Self-Government Act in 2009, Greenland was granted self-governing authority over all policy decisions except foreign affairs and defense. According to the Self-Government Act, Greenland can declare independence through a referendum, but due to weak economic self-sufficiency, it remains dependent on subsidies from the Danish government.
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