Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Denmark Issues Apology for Forced Sterilization of Greenlandic Women
From the 1960s to the early 2000s, the Danish government put birth control devices in Greenlandic women and girls without their permission.
Many of these women were harmed, and some could not have children.
The Danish Prime Minister apologized publicly in Greenland.
The government also plans to provide compensation.
The actions are viewed as a part of Denmark's former colonial treatment and have come under scrutiny amid recent geopolitical interests by other countries.
Danish Prime Minister formally apologized for forced sterilizations of Greenlandic women.
The campaign involved inserting IUDs and giving contraceptive injections without consent.
The practice took place from the 1960s and extended into the 2000s.
A report revealed many suffered health complications and could not have children.
The apology comes as Denmark seeks to repair relations and address historical injustices.
- Who
- Danish government and Greenlandic women
- What
- Denmark apologized for the forced sterilization campaign.
- When
- Campaign started in the 1960s and continued into the 2000s.
- Where
- Greenland
- Why
- To address past injustices and repair relationships, amid other geopolitical interests.
Victims and Advocates
Danish Government
Impact of Forced Contraception
Victims and Advocates
Seeking acknowledgement, compensation, and justice for the harms suffered.
Danish Government
Acknowledging the past, apologizing, and providing reconciliation funds.
- Event
- Denmark Apologizes for forced sterilizations
- Location
- Nuuk, Greenland
- Perpetrators
- Danish authorities
- Victims
- Greenlandic women
- Contraception Methods
- IUDs, injections
- Time Period
- 1960s - early 2000s
- Apology
- Formal apology by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
