Denmark and Greenland Officially Acknowledge the Premature Contraception

• Denmark and Greenland have officially acknowledged the premature contraception for Inuit women.
• Denmark's Prime Minister recognizes the responsibility for past mistakes.
• A report on the forced sterilization of women in Greenland is expected.

On August 27, 2025, Denmark and Greenland officially acknowledged the forced sterilization of Inuit women, who became victims of premature contraception in the past. This acknowledgment concerns over 4,500 women, who were subjected to internal contraceptive devices (IUDs) without their consent from the 1960s to 1992.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the past should not be changed, and responsibility can be taken on oneself. She declared: "On behalf of Denmark, I want to say: I am sorry." Frederiksen also emphasized that there are "other dark chapters" of systemic discrimination against Greenlanders.

According to data, many women who became victims of this program were mothers, and as a result, lost the ability to have children, and also suffered from physical and psychological problems. In 1992, Greenland took control of its own healthcare system from Denmark.

This acknowledgment was made public before the anticipated report, which is expected to be released next month, regarding the incidents of forced sterilization of women in Greenland. Nearly 150 women have filed lawsuits against Denmark, demanding compensation for the violation of their rights.

Tags: Europe/Politics