A Greenlandic mother had her one-hour-old baby taken away by authorities after undergoing a banned psychometric assessment despite a new law prohibiting its use on people with Greenlandic backgrounds. Ivana Nikoline Brønlund, 18, gave birth to daughter Aviaja-Luuna in August and had the baby removed from her just an hour later.
The “parenting competence” tests, known as FKU, were banned earlier this year due to criticism that they were culturally unsuitable for people from Inuit backgrounds. However, Brønlund was still subjected to the test before giving birth. The Danish social affairs minister has said she is concerned by the reports and has requested an explanation from the municipality.
Brønlund’s case has prompted protests in Greenland, with campaigners calling for urgent action to help her. They argue that the tests are racist and that Brønlund was punished for something she is not responsible for. The Danish government has promised to use a special unit known as VISO instead of the banned tests.
Brønlund will only see her baby once a fortnight under supervision, and an appeal hearing is scheduled for September 16. Campaigners have also held protests in support of another Greenlandic mother whose daughter was forcibly removed by Danish authorities after birth.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/23/protests-as-newborn-removed-from-greenlandic-mother-after-parenting-competence-tests