Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a formal apology in Nuuk, Greenland, for the controversial “coil campaign” that affected thousands of Greenlandic women and girls. The Greenland birth control scandal took place in the 1960s and 1970s and was aimed at curbing the population growth in Greenland. But is it too little, too late? Greenlandic leaders say much more needs to be done and question the timing.
Formal Apology Delivered in Nuuk For Greenland Birth Control Scandal
On a visit to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered an official apology for the so-called “coil campaign,” a decades-old policy in which thousands of intrauterine devices (IUDs), commonly known as coils, were implanted in young Greenlandic women and girls—often without their full consent. The campaign, which took place primarily in the late 1960s and 1970s, was aimed at curbing population growth among Greenland’s indigenous Inuit population.
An estimated 4,500 Greenlandic women were affected by the campaign, and more than half of all girls and women of childbearing age in Greenland during that period were subjected to the procedures. Many have spoken out in recent years about the psychological and physical trauma it caused them.
Greenlandic Leaders Say Justice Is Still Pending
While Frederiksen’s apology is viewed by some as a positive step forward, Greenlandic leaders, including former Prime Minister Múte B. Egede, believe it falls short of full recognition and restitution. Egede, who initiated a formal investigation into the matter during his term, voiced frustration that Denmark has yet to offer financial compensation or take substantive action following the findings of the inquiry.
Egede criticized the Danish government for the pace at which justice efforts are moving. According to him, progress has stalled since the initial investigation began several years ago. He emphasized that the victims have waited too long and that apologies alone do not make up for systemic violations of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.
Greenland Birth Control Scandal Part of A Complex Colonial Legacy
The IUD insertions were part of a broader pattern of coercive policies during the era when Greenland was a Danish colony, fully integrated into the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. Critics argue that the Greenland birth control scandal is one of the darker chapters in the relationship between Denmark and Greenland, revealing a colonial attitude toward the indigenous population.
While the issue was largely ignored in Denmark for decades, growing pressure from Greenlandic activists, survivors, and political leaders has placed it at the forefront of current public discussions. The apology is therefore being seen as a result of sustained pressure from Greenland rather than a proactive step by Danish officials.
International Attention and Strategic Significance
The timing of Denmark’s apology has also raised questions about geopolitical motivations. Observers point out that heightened international interest in the Arctic region, including U.S. talk of strategic investments in Greenland, may have influenced the Danish government’s decision to issue a formal statement now.
In 2019 and also recently, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by expressing interest in purchasing Greenland, sparking diplomatic tensions and renewing global awareness of the region’s strategic value. Many in Greenland view the recent apology against this backdrop, suggesting that Denmark may be seeking to improve its reputation and partnership with Greenland at a time of shifting geopolitical interest.
Calls for Compensation and Continued Action
While the apology in Nuuk marks a symbolic milestone, there remains a lack of clarity on how the Danish government will address ongoing demands for compensation and redress. So far, no financial restitution has been announced for the affected women, and no timeline has been set for further political or legal actions.
Greenlandic officials and activists are calling for a compensation scheme, formal legal acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and institutional reforms that would ensure such violations never happen again. The Greenlandic government also seeks greater autonomy over healthcare policy, including reproductive rights, to prevent future abuses.
Next Steps and Public Expectations
The public inquiry into the coil campaign, initiated jointly by the governments of Denmark and Greenland in 2021, is still ongoing. Final conclusions are expected within the next year. Until then, affected individuals and advocacy groups continue to press for transparency, justice, and meaningful reparations.
For many in Greenland, the apology is seen not as closure but as an opening move in a long-overdue process of reconciliation. As testimony continues to emerge and the historical record is fully illuminated, the Danish government may face renewed international and domestic pressure to back their apology with concrete actions.
