Denmark Apologizes for 1970s Greenland Coil Scandal
Denmark's prime minister apologizes to Greenlandic women who received contraceptive coils without consent in the 1960s-70s. The scandal affected 4,500 women and reflects colonial-era reproductive control. Victims question whether the apology addresses real harm or serves political purposes.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visits Greenland on Wednesday to officially apologize to women and girls who received contraceptive coils without consent during the 1960s and 1970s. The program aimed to limit childbirth among Greenland's Indigenous population.
Approximately 4,500 women were affected by the coil scandal. This practice has deepened tensions between Greenland and Denmark. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
One victim, Henriette Berthelsen, received a coil when she was just 13 years old. She refuses to attend the apology ceremony, calling it political theater. Berthelsen believes the government's apology serves political purposes rather than addressing real harm.
The timing of this apology raises questions about Denmark's motives. Greenland has been seeking greater independence, and this gesture may aim to improve strained relations. Many victims want concrete actions, not just symbolic apologies.
This scandal represents a dark chapter in Denmark's colonial history. The forced contraception program targeted Indigenous women during a period when Greenland was under tighter Danish control. The apology comes decades after the violations occurred.
What compensation will victims receive? The government has not yet detailed specific restitution plans. Many affected women continue to suffer physical and psychological effects from the unauthorized procedures.