Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a formal apology to Greenlandic women and their families for a systematic contraceptive campaign during the 1960s and 1970s that caused physical and psychological harm, acknowledging the abuses committed.

The apology covers cases up to 1992 and recognizes the broader context of systemic discrimination rooted in Denmark's colonial past, including the impact on families and the perception of Denmark and its territories.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also apologized for the abuses, especially for involuntary procedures, and emphasized the importance of accountability and investigation.

An official inquiry into the scandal is expected to release findings in September, with many victims still alive and seeking justice, including 143 women suing Denmark for human rights violations and compensation.

The scandal involved approximately 4,500 women and girls, some as young as 12, who were fitted with intra-uterine devices without consent as part of a birth-control program aimed at reducing Greenland's population, which some have described as genocide.

Greenlandic officials, including the current and former presidents, have called the case a form of genocide and emphasized the need for ongoing support and reparations for victims.

The apology coincided with reports of US influence campaigns in Greenland, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz welcomed the apology and stressed the importance of continued political and financial support for the victims to help them heal.

The broader historical context includes past policies of forced adoptions and removal of Inuit children, which have strained Greenland-Denmark relations and fueled independence movements.

Denmark's government has acknowledged responsibility despite the transfer of healthcare authority to Greenland in 1992 and is considering financial reparations once investigations conclude.

The scandal has also brought to light systemic discrimination rooted in colonial attitudes, with some victims and their families describing the actions as a form of genocide, and has affected Denmark's international reputation.

The apology and ongoing investigations mark a significant step toward addressing past human rights violations and fostering reconciliation between Greenland and Denmark.