When the so-called "spiral scandal" was uncovered in 2022, it became clear that over 4,500 women had been fitted with an intrauterine device without giving their consent – and sometimes without them even knowing that the procedure was being performed on them.
Behind the campaign, which took place from the late 1960s to the early 1990s, were Danish authorities and the purpose was to reduce birth rates in Greenland. Some of the victims were younger than twelve years old when they had an intrauterine device inserted, and many of them still suffer from physical and mental damage today.
Katrine Petersen, now 52 years old, had an intrauterine device inserted by Danish doctors without her consent when she was 13 years old. "Because of my age, I didn't know what to do. I kept it to myself and never talked about it," she tells AP.
She describes the incident as a trauma that has led to anger, depression, and excessive alcohol consumption to keep the painful memories in check. When she later got married, she was unable to have children.
Now, Denmark will formally apologize for the abuses in a special ceremony. During the visit to Greenland, Mette Frederiksen will discuss how a so-called reconciliation fund for the victims will be established.
There has also been talk of compensating the victims financially, but it is not clear how large this compensation can be. As recently as last year, Greenland gave 15 women a compensation of 300,000 Danish kronor each.
It is very important for these women, but also for society at large, says Aaja Chemnitz, who represents Greenland in the Danish parliament, to the news agency AFP.
The apology comes at a turbulent time when the US has made claims against the island and hinted that it may take over the management of Greenland from Denmark.
Aaja Chemnitz believes that the apology should be seen in the light of the American statements.
"It is the external pressure that forces Denmark to increase its efforts. I have been in parliament for ten years and have never seen such efforts," she says.
