The application of controversial tests in this European Union (EU) country has raised concerns about cultural discrimination and parental rights. Several recent cases demonstrate the deep effects of these evaluations on family life, with decisions that have led to the separation of mother and baby shortly after delivery, based on criteria contested by experts, lawyers and human rights organizations.
Birth under institutional surveillance
A few months ago, a Greenland mother in Denmark was allowed to spend only two hours with her baby before being delivered to host families, according to The Guardian. The delivery took place with medical assistance, and the progenitor expressed the desire to hold the baby shortly after birth and register the footprints.
In the following minutes, he began breastfeeding and physical contact with the baby. The approach of the scheduled time for delivery intensified the state of anxiety. After putting her clothes ready for her daughter, the parent handed the child to the social worker, keeping her promise to fight for her return.
The mother left the hospital hours later, refusing to stay in the ward. At home, they were waiting for him to be congratulated on the part of people who were unaware of the imposed separation. The cradle remained empty and the visit to the daughter was limited to a weekly hour.
Parental competence tests and criteria questioned
In Denmark, mothers from Gronelândia (autonomous territory that is part of the kingdom of Denmark) have been subjected to psychological tests known as FKU, which intend to evaluate the ability to take care of children. These tests analyze personality traits, cognitive capacity and other psychological aspects, but have been criticized for not respecting cultural and linguistic differences.
Isak Nellemann, a clinical psychologist who has already participated in these evaluations, cited by the same source, reported that the “simple fact that greenland origin is sometimes sufficient to draw the attention of social services and the issues made in the tests are defiled and controversial.”
The expert also stated that there is a lot of stigmatization of people from Granelândia and does not know why the tests are continued to evaluate parental skills.
Separation history
The mother in question saw the three children be removed. In 2014, two children were placed in other homes, based on psychological evaluations made without translator and conducted by the same psychologist who would come years later, to take a new test. The mother has her kalaallisut as her mother tongue and does not speak fluently Danish.
According to the lawyer responsible for the process, cited by the source mentioned earlier, “the decision was made before birth and the mother had no opportunity to live in housing with state support, which would be an alternative.”
The report also justified separation based on distinct cultural practices, indicating that “specific facial characteristics have communicative meaning in Greenland culture, but the baby will grow in Denmark and need to learn to interpret the local social context.”
Legislative change and persistence of practices
In May 2025, a new law entered into force that prohibits the use of FKU tests for Greenland families. However, according to the same source, some authorities continue to present these tests as evidence in minors protection processes.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing of Denmark stated that “since May 1, 2025, standard psychological tests are no longer used as the basis for decisions to place greenland children outside the home.”
Despite the new legislation, there are reports that previous court decisions remain in force, and that municipalities do not always consult the specialized cultural unit as required. An association that supports Greenland families confirmed that at least one decision has been reversed, but warned of the persistence of wrong interpretations of cultural practices.
Emotional and social repercussions
The progenitor works in a fish factory and refers difficulties in sleeping and maintaining food. The return to work, ten weeks after delivery, was marked by physical pain and the need to isolate himself to cry.
According to the same source, the eldest daughter, diagnosed with schizophrenia, was also withdrawn school -age and says she was the victim of emotional abuse during the period in institutions. Nevertheless, he actively participates in the fight for his younger sister’s return and has already organized public protests with messages such as “bring my sister home.”
Motivation to denounce and fight
After delivery, the mother decided to tell publicly what happened. He posted a video on social networks and, days later, received hundreds of support messages. The case has gained national and international visibility, with demonstrations in cities such as Copenhagen and Nuuk.
Quoted by, the parent states: “If it is not now, nothing will change to my daughter. I don’t mind if they judge me. I know that if I can change something, I will change to her.” Its history is one of many, but few parents have the strength to publicly expose the decisions imposed by social services.
The lawsuit now goes to a higher instance, with the hope of the family that the new legislation allows to reverse the separation and restore the right to family life and the preservation of the Greenland cultural identity.
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