A Significant Step in Healing Old Wounds: Compensation for the Women Affected by the Spiral Case
The spiral case marks a troubling chapter in the history of Denmark and Greenland, one that has profoundly impacted the lives of countless women. On Wednesday, Danish Minister of the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde, announced a significant shift toward reconciliation, stating, “It is heartening that a wide majority in the Folketing now supports the establishment of individual financial compensation.”
This agreement means that women who were administered an IUD or the contraceptive injection Depo Provera without consent—while healthcare was under Danish responsibility until 1991—will each receive compensation of DKK 300,000. The initiative extends to Greenlandic girls who faced similar violations while studying in Denmark.
The Danish government, alongside a broad coalition in the Folketing, has pledged to create a reconciliation fund specifically to address these injustices.
A Fight for Justice
For over two years, women affected by the spiral scandal have stood firm in their pursuit of redress from the Danish state. With the support of attorney Mads Pramming from Pramming Advokater, they filed a compensation claim on behalf of 67 women in 2023, the same amount now sanctioned by the government. As of 2024, this group had expanded to 143 women, collectively suing for human rights violations and seeking nearly DKK 43 million in damages.
Understanding the Spiral Case
The origins of the spiral case reach back to the 1960s and ’70s, when over 4,000 girls and women in Greenland were administered IUDs without their consent, as substantiated by an impartial investigation of contraceptive practices from 1960 to 1991. Disturbingly, some of these women were as young as 12. The investigation documented over 488 incidents, revealing a systematic disregard for consent, motivated in part by the Danish authorities’ concern over population growth in Greenland.
The scandal first gained widespread attention following the 2022 DR podcast “Spiralkampagnen,” which brought to light the harrowing experiences faced by these women.
In September 2025, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen offered a heartfelt apology on behalf of Denmark, acknowledging the injustices endured by these women. Further complicating matters, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the chairman of Naalakkersuisut, expressed frustration over the timeliness of such apologies, stating, “Why is it so hard to say sorry?”
A New Chapter of Accountability
Reflecting on the recent developments, Løhde articulated the importance of this reconciliation effort. “While individual financial compensation cannot erase the pain and suffering these women have endured, it demonstrates our commitment to learn from the past and take responsibility,” she asserted. “It’s crucial that we, with overwhelming support in the Folketing, show solidarity with the Greenlandic women.”
With a potential 4,500 women eligible for this compensation, applications are set to open in April of next year. In taking this step, Denmark aims not only to make amends but also to foster a deeper understanding and connection with Greenland’s rich history and culture.