NUUK — Two expert reports have concluded that a contraception campaign imposed on Greenlandic women and girls violated fundamental rights, but the available evidence did not establish the specific intent required to classify the programme as genocide.Approximately 4,000 women and girls—some reportedly only 12 years old—received intrauterine devices or contraceptive injections between 1966 and 1991. Many procedures were carried out without informed consent or an adequate explanation of their medical consequences.The reports found that affected women suffered violations involving privacy, bodily integrity and personal autonomy. Some experienced serious physical and psychological consequences.One assessment also raised questions about whether Denmark fulfilled its responsibilities after authorities were warned in 1969 about the programme’s potential consequences. However, the experts said evidence of an intention to destroy Greenlanders as a group was inconclusive.Greenland plans to establish a reconciliation commission, while Denmark has offered compensation to affected women.Why it matters: The findings add pressure on Denmark and Greenland to acknowledge historical abuses, compensate survivors and ensure informed consent within public healthcare.
