Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s apology to Greenlandic women and young girls regarding the “spiral case” could significantly aid the legal efforts of the 143 women suing Denmark for human rights violations, according to their lawyer, Mads Pramming. These women are also seeking millions in compensation.

Pramming, who also represented the Godhavn boys and Greenlandic experimental children in similar cases, stated that while the apology is significant, he remains cautiously optimistic, drawing parallels to previous instances where apologies did not automatically translate to compensation.

The “spiral case” involves the insertion of contraceptive IUDs into approximately 4,500 Greenlandic women and young girls during the 1960s and 1970s, often without their knowledge or consent. Many of these women have since come forward with their experiences, alleging the procedures were performed without proper consent.

While the Prime Minister’s apology represents a major step forward, it does not constitute a formal acknowledgment of legal responsibility, which is crucial for securing compensation. Pramming hopes that the state will move directly to acknowledging legal responsibility, stating that he is now “more optimistic” about this possibility. He acknowledged that the Prime Minister’s apology will make it easier to pursue the compensation case in court, because it raises questions about the sincerity of the apology if the state denies any wrongdoing.

The apology holds immense value for the women Pramming represents, as it signifies an acknowledgment that a grave injustice occurred, which they see as a great achievement. However, the true impact hinges on whether the state will back up the apology with tangible action.

The case is scheduled to be heard in court in early 2027.