The abuses went on for several decades.
When the so-called "spiral scandal" was uncovered in 2022, it became clear that over 4,500 women had been fitted with a spiral without giving their consent – and sometimes without them even knowing that the procedure had been performed on them.
The atmosphere was emotionally charged at the culture center Katuaq in Greenland's capital Nuuk when the Prime Minister apologized on Wednesday, reports DR.
Several of those present had tears in their eyes when Frederiksen spoke.
Dear women. Dear families. Dear Greenland. Today, there is only one thing that is right to say to you: Forgive, said the Prime Minister.
Forgive for what was taken from you. And for the pain it caused.
Behind the spiral campaign, which went on 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 were fitted with a spiral, and many of them still suffer from physical and mental injuries today.
Anger, depression, and alcohol
Katrine Petersen, now 52, was fitted with a spiral by Danish doctors without her consent when she was 13 years old.
Because of my age, I did not know what to do. I kept it inside and never talked about it, she tells the news agency AP.
She describes the incident as a trauma that has led to anger, depression, and too much alcohol to keep the painful memories in check. When she later got married, she could not have children.
In addition to the official apology that has now been made, the Danish government has also promised a special reconciliation fund to compensate the victims financially.
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.
American claims
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 moves.
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.
