A Mother’s Heartache: The Ongoing Saga of Keira Kronvold
In a quiet corner of her home in Thisted, Keira Kronvold gazes at an unused cradle adorned with teddy bears and a delicate bed canopy. Nearby, a changing table sits laden with unopened diapers and nursing pads—a poignant reminder of the joy that once filled her life. It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since she welcomed her daughter, Zammi, into the world, only to have her forcibly taken away just two hours post-birth.
Over the past twelve months, Keira’s story has transcended borders, capturing attention both in Denmark and abroad. With each passing protest, demonstrators have rallied in the streets, voicing their outrage over the alarming frequency of forced removals of Greenlandic children. Much of this outcry has been fueled by Zammi’s case, which has come to symbolize the larger issues at play.
A Stark Reality
A recent report by VIVE (The National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare in Denmark) has shed light on the staggering statistics: Greenlandic children in Denmark are five times more likely to be placed outside their homes compared to their Danish counterparts. A 2023 study pointed out a concerning lack of cultural and linguistic understanding among case handlers in Danish municipalities, which can lead to serious misunderstandings and biases.
Criticism has also been directed at the parental competence studies (FKU) employed in these cases, as they are often tailored to Western cultural norms. In March 2023, the Danish government allocated DKK 7.8 million over three years for the development of new parental tests and guidance processes specifically for Greenlandic families, a move prompted by advocating politicians from Greenland.
As of May 1, 2025, newly enacted legislation obliges Danish municipalities to consult a specialized unit within VISO, which possesses expertise in Greenlandic culture and language, for re-evaluations of ongoing placement cases. This aims to address the shortcomings of the FKU in understanding the distinctive needs of Greenlandic children.
An Unwanted Outcome
Unfortunately, the re-evaluation of Zammi’s case, which took place under the auspices of VISO, did not yield the outcome Keira had fervently hoped for. It was recommended that Zammi remain in her current placement, allowing Keira only one hour and thirty minutes of visitation per week. Just days before the announcement, Keira had sensed the bleak result but chose to speak candidly about her anguish with KNR.
“It’s incredibly difficult that Zammi still isn’t allowed to come home. I feel so powerless,” Keira expressed, her frustration palpable.
In reviewing Keira Kronvold’s current circumstances, a report from the Social and Housing Agency concluded that she lacks the necessary skills to provide Zammi with the security and support essential for her development. Instead, it recommended intensive guidance focusing on emotional regulation, practical parenting, and mental health.
A Culture Misunderstood
Thus far, the specialized VISO team has handled 24 placement cases involving Greenlandic children. According to their records, five of these cases were closed, with one instance revealing that standardized psychological tests had been misleading. Conversely, 11 cases did not employ these tests at all, with five still under review.
For Keira, the process was exhausting. Her retrial spanned several months, during which her experiences were seemingly overshadowed by her difficulties. She felt her Greenlandic background was overlooked, particularly as discussions were conducted predominantly in Danish, despite her comfort with Greenlandic as her first language.
“I requested an interpreter, but it wasn’t mentioned as an option,” she noted, revealing a disconnect she felt throughout the proceedings. Moreover, she believed that the psychologists involved failed to grasp her perspective and the nuances of her culture. A complaint submitted by her assistant echoed these concerns, highlighting a troubling lack of understanding in the discussions.
“The psychologist acknowledged that I am loving and stable, yet the entire report dwelled on my shortcomings. My approach to motherhood was dismissed, with my Greenlandic heritage used against me,” Keira lamented.
Ongoing Struggles
The scrutiny surrounding Keira’s parenting journey began a decade before Zammi’s birth. In 2015, she saw her first two children removed under similar circumstances. This time, Keira proactively sought help from the Thisted municipality as she prepared for Zammi’s arrival, yet the assessment that followed concluded she hadn’t sufficiently improved as a parent since her earlier losses.
Critically, conclusions were drawn that her emotional state and Danish communication skills were inadequate for raising Zammi, an assessment that left her feeling devalued.
Despite the weight of uncertainty, Keira continues to cherish her bond with Zammi. “I always bring her flowers, food, and clothes. I’ve even made her a little sled,” she reflects. “These small gestures are my way of fighting for her and keeping hope alive.”
As Keira navigates her way through this heart-wrenching journey, she holds fast to the belief that a future reunification with Zammi is still within reach, even as the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.