The scandal related to family planning in Greenland gained global attention. It was disclosed that numerous women in Greenland were equipped with a contraceptive device for birth control purposes without their consent.
In the early 60s and 70s, a Danish initiative was launched to implant contraceptive devices in women. Reports gathered accounts from women who were affected by the so-called “Coil Initiative.”
Greenland Family Planning Scandal
A video was released online featuring testimonies from women who were impacted by the Coil Initiative. One of the interviewees, Bebiane, shared her experience. At 21 years old, she went to have the device implanted.
She recalled that when the doctor was about to start the procedure, they were whispering something. Bebiane sensed that something was amiss and inquired about the issue.
She recounted how the doctors informed her that she already had a device implanted in her for a significant period.
She expressed, “I remember the tears rolling down my cheeks, and I told them that I couldn’t comprehend how I already had a coil in me… How could I not remember when it was put in?“
Bebiane speculated that the contraceptive device might have been implanted in her body at the age of 16 during an abortion procedure in the early 2000s.
After the removal of the device, she experienced various side effects including severe abdominal pain, which hindered her from climbing stairs.
She revealed, “I visited the hospital numerous times, but they were unable to diagnose the issue… [The pain] occurred during and not during my menstrual cycle.”
Bebiane mentioned how she would weep whenever she had her menstrual cycle. After not conceiving for over a year, she was advised by a friend to get the device implanted, and that’s when she discovered its presence.
Subsequently, Bebiane decided against getting a new device implanted and, within a year, she became pregnant.
Another interviewee, Mira, shared her story of being affected by the Coil initiative. In 2019, she discovered that a device had been implanted in her body.
Following a medical examination, it was found that a device was present in her body, leaving her in disbelief.
Mira believes that the device was implanted in her body in 2018 during a minor uterine surgery.
She endured considerable pain post-surgery and, upon undergoing a medical examination a year later, discovered the implanted device.
Currently 45 years old, Mira had to undergo surgical removal of the device. She was informed by the doctor that her uterus had to be removed to prevent the risk of cancer.
Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful, leaving her unable to conceive. Additionally, romantic relationships lead to increased bleeding for her.
The non-consensual practice of implanting devices is still ongoing. In response, the impacted women organized a vigil and declared that no procedures would be performed on them without their consent.
