Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Why So Many Children Still Grow Up with Preventable Clubfoot

Clubfoot

If you’ve ever seen a baby’s tiny foot curled awkwardly inwards and downwards, you might dismiss it as “just the way they’re born.” But that little twist, called <span>clubfoot</span>, is no small matter. Left untreated, it can turn into a lifelong <span>disability</span>. And in India, where over 70% of cases in rural areas go untreated, clubfoot remains one of the most common yet most overlooked childhood deformities.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are turned inwards and downwards, making it difficult for the child to walk normally. “Clubfoot may look like a simple <span>deformity</span> at birth, but when not addressed in time, it becomes a rigid, disabling condition,” explained Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aakash <span>Healthcare</span>.

India sees roughly 1 in every 300 <span>children</span> born with a bone deformity, according to the Indian Orthopaedic Association, and clubfoot leads the list. Yet, <span>awareness</span> remains staggeringly low. Families often think the foot will straighten on its own or that <span>treatment</span> is too costly, so the condition is neglected. Children who should be running and playing instead limp through life, sometimes in pain and often with a heavy emotional burden.

Unlike countries such as China, Uganda, and Malawi that have national clubfoot programmes, India still does not have a dedicated public health plan. This gap leaves thousands of children untreated every year. “Children with neglected clubfoot often face pain, difficulty walking, and emotional distress. They may get bullied in school and develop poor self-esteem, which impacts their overall development,” said Dr Chaudhry, who himself grew up with the condition before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.

The neglect is not just physical; it’s social. In communities where disability already carries stigma, children with clubfoot often become isolated, missing out on school and normal childhood experiences.

The irony is that treating clubfoot early is neither complicated nor expensive. The most widely used method is the Ponseti technique, which involves gentle manipulation of the foot, followed by a series of plaster casts and then bracing. “This method has a high success rate when started early, usually within the first few weeks after birth,” explained Dr Chaudhry.

<span>Parents</span> often believe treatment means <span>surgery</span>, but that’s not the case when intervention happens early. “Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent the need for complex surgeries later and greatly improve outcomes,” he added.

But what about children whose clubfoot is neglected? Is it too late for them? Dr Chaudhry said, “Even in neglected cases, it is absolutely possible to correct the deformity with modern surgical techniques. Surgery, followed by proper <span>physiotherapy</span> and braces, can help the child walk normally again. The earlier the intervention, the easier the recovery but it's never too late to act.”

This is a crucial message for parents who assume that once their child starts walking with difficulty, nothing can be done. The truth is, whether it’s casting or surgery, medical science today offers hope.

Doctors recommend that all newborns undergo simple foot checks as part of routine postnatal screening. Parents should also be vigilant: if a baby’s feet appear turned inwards or if the child struggles when learning to stand or walk, medical advice should be sought immediately. Delay only makes matters worse.

“Many parents wait, thinking the child will outgrow the twisted foot. But delay in treatment often makes it worse,” said Dr Chaudhry.

Ultimately, the solution lies not only in treatment but also in awareness and policy. With a dedicated national programme, better newborn screening, and parent education, India can turn the tide. As Dr Chaudhry put it: “Clubfoot is a treatable condition. With awareness, early action, and the right care, we can ensure that no child has to grow up with a disability that could have been prevented.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

clubfoot

children

disability

deformity

awareness

treatment

surgery

physiotherapy

healthcare

parents

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If you’ve ever seen a baby’s tiny foot curled awkwardly inwards and downwards, you might dismiss it as “just the way they’re born.” But that little twist, called clubfoot, is no small matter. Left untreated, it can turn into a lifelong disability. And in India, where over 70% of cases in rural areas go untreated, clubfoot remains one of the most common yet most overlooked childhood deformities.The Twist at BirthClubfoot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are turned inwards and downwards, making it difficult for the child to walk normally. “Clubfoot may look like a simple deformity at birth, but when not addressed in time, it becomes a rigid, disabling condition,” explained Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aakash Healthcare.India sees roughly 1 in every 300 children born with a bone deformity, according to the Indian Orthopaedic Association, and clubfoot leads the list. Yet, awareness remains staggeringly low. Families often think the foot will straighten on its own or that treatment is too costly, so the condition is neglected. Children who should be running and playing instead limp through life, sometimes in pain and often with a heavy emotional burden.Why India Lags BehindUnlike countries such as China, Uganda, and Malawi that have national clubfoot programmes, India still does not have a dedicated public health plan. This gap leaves thousands of children untreated every year. “Children with neglected clubfoot often face pain, difficulty walking, and emotional distress. They may get bullied in school and develop poor self-esteem, which impacts their overall development,” said Dr Chaudhry, who himself grew up with the condition before becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.The neglect is not just physical; it’s social. In communities where disability already carries stigma, children with clubfoot often become isolated, missing out on school and normal childhood experiences.Early Treatment Is Possible The irony is that treating clubfoot early is neither complicated nor expensive. The most widely used method is the Ponseti technique, which involves gentle manipulation of the foot, followed by a series of plaster casts and then bracing. “This method has a high success rate when started early, usually within the first few weeks after birth,” explained Dr Chaudhry.Parents often believe treatment means surgery, but that’s not the case when intervention happens early. “Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent the need for complex surgeries later and greatly improve outcomes,” he added.When Treatment Is DelayedBut what about children whose clubfoot is neglected? Is it too late for them? Dr Chaudhry said, “Even in neglected cases, it is absolutely possible to correct the deformity with modern surgical techniques. Surgery, followed by proper physiotherapy and braces, can help the child walk normally again. The earlier the intervention, the easier the recovery but it's never too late to act.”This is a crucial message for parents who assume that once their child starts walking with difficulty, nothing can be done. The truth is, whether it’s casting or surgery, medical science today offers hope.Spotting It EarlyDoctors recommend that all newborns undergo simple foot checks as part of routine postnatal screening. Parents should also be vigilant: if a baby’s feet appear turned inwards or if the child struggles when learning to stand or walk, medical advice should be sought immediately. Delay only makes matters worse.“Many parents wait, thinking the child will outgrow the twisted foot. But delay in treatment often makes it worse,” said Dr Chaudhry.Changing the StoryUltimately, the solution lies not only in treatment but also in awareness and policy. With a dedicated national programme, better newborn screening, and parent education, India can turn the tide. As Dr Chaudhry put it: “Clubfoot is a treatable condition. With awareness, early action, and the right care, we can ensure that no child has to grow up with a disability that could have been prevented.”

why so many children still grow up with preventable clubfoot

Egg Freezing

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If modern life had a “pause” button, many women would happily press it on their biological clocks. That is essentially what <span>egg freezing</span> offers: a chance to preserve <span>fertility</span> for the future. But the two questions that inevitably surface are how many eggs should you freeze and how many <span>cycles</span> will it take to get there? The short answer is, it depends. 

When it comes to egg freezing, more is not always better, but a certain number is definitely necessary. Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility &amp; IVF, Mumbai, says women in their late twenties or early thirties generally need to freeze around 15 mature eggs to have a fair chance at one live birth. For those beyond the mid-thirties, the number usually goes up to 20 or more. Because as time ticks on, both the number and quality of eggs decline, reducing the likelihood of a healthy <span>embryo</span> developing from each egg.

Dr Swati Mishra, another fertility specialist, says, "On average, women in their early thirties are advised to freeze 10–15 mature eggs to maintain good chances of embryo formation later. For women in their late thirties, the target is higher, often 20 or more.” 

<h3>The Cycle Question: One and Done, or More Than One?</h3>

Many women walk into clinics hoping a single cycle of ovarian stimulation will do the trick. Sometimes it does. But sometimes, biology has other plans.

“Some women respond strongly to stimulation and can collect the required number in one attempt,” explains Dr Singh. “Others, especially those with lower ovarian reserve, may need two or even three cycles. This is not a failure; it is simply how <span>ovaries</span> differ in their response.”

Dr Mishra adds that this variation is one of the biggest surprises for women: “It is natural biology. We prepare women from the outset that while some will achieve the target in one cycle, others may need more. It all comes down to ovarian reserve and individual response.”

In other words, if your ovaries are playing hard to get, patience and persistence are part of the process.

<h3>Behind the Numbers: How Doctors Decide</h3>

How do doctors know how many eggs or cycles a woman might need? Tests like AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) and antral follicle counts help gauge ovarian reserve. These markers, combined with age and reproductive goals, give doctors a clearer picture.

A woman aiming for one child might freeze fewer eggs than someone who hopes for two. And lifestyle factors matter too. As Dr Mishra points out, “Weight, nutrition, and stress all influence ovarian response, which is why we encourage holistic preparation before starting treatment.”

<h3>Why <span rel="noindex">Counselling</span> Matters</h3>

Both experts stress the importance of counselling because egg freezing is about managing expectations as much as it is about collecting eggs.

Dr Singh says, “Counselling ensures women understand not just the approximate egg numbers but also the possibility of multiple cycles, costs, and time commitment. Egg freezing does not offer guarantees. What it really offers is choice.”

Dr Mishra agrees: “We want women to approach the process with realistic expectations and a clear plan. With the right guidance, egg freezing becomes a tool for control, not confusion.”

Egg freezing is not a magic wand that guarantees future babies, but it does offer women greater say over their timelines. The number of eggs you need depends on your age, ovarian reserve, and reproductive goals. The number of cycles it may take depends on how your body responds.

What doctors want women to know is, do not see extra cycles or higher egg targets as setbacks. They are just reflections of biology. With the right preparation, information, and mindset, egg freezing is less about uncertainty and more about empowerment.

fertility

cycles

embryo

ovaries

hormones

pregnancy

counselling

reproduction

timeline

egg freezing

If modern life had a “pause” button, many women would happily press it on their biological clocks. That is essentially what egg freezing offers: a chance to preserve fertility for the future. But the two questions that inevitably surface are how many eggs should you freeze and how many cycles will it take to get there? The short answer is, it depends. How Many Eggs Are Enough?When it comes to egg freezing, more is not always better, but a certain number is definitely necessary. Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Mumbai, says women in their late twenties or early thirties generally need to freeze around 15 mature eggs to have a fair chance at one live birth. For those beyond the mid-thirties, the number usually goes up to 20 or more. Because as time ticks on, both the number and quality of eggs decline, reducing the likelihood of a healthy embryo developing from each egg.Dr Swati Mishra, another fertility specialist, says, "On average, women in their early thirties are advised to freeze 10–15 mature eggs to maintain good chances of embryo formation later. For women in their late thirties, the target is higher, often 20 or more.” The Cycle Question: One and Done, or More Than One?Many women walk into clinics hoping a single cycle of ovarian stimulation will do the trick. Sometimes it does. But sometimes, biology has other plans.“Some women respond strongly to stimulation and can collect the required number in one attempt,” explains Dr Singh. “Others, especially those with lower ovarian reserve, may need two or even three cycles. This is not a failure; it is simply how ovaries differ in their response.”Dr Mishra adds that this variation is one of the biggest surprises for women: “It is natural biology. We prepare women from the outset that while some will achieve the target in one cycle, others may need more. It all comes down to ovarian reserve and individual response.”In other words, if your ovaries are playing hard to get, patience and persistence are part of the process.Behind the Numbers: How Doctors DecideHow do doctors know how many eggs or cycles a woman might need? Tests like AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) and antral follicle counts help gauge ovarian reserve. These markers, combined with age and reproductive goals, give doctors a clearer picture.A woman aiming for one child might freeze fewer eggs than someone who hopes for two. And lifestyle factors matter too. As Dr Mishra points out, “Weight, nutrition, and stress all influence ovarian response, which is why we encourage holistic preparation before starting treatment.”Why Counselling MattersBoth experts stress the importance of counselling because egg freezing is about managing expectations as much as it is about collecting eggs.Dr Singh says, “Counselling ensures women understand not just the approximate egg numbers but also the possibility of multiple cycles, costs, and time commitment. Egg freezing does not offer guarantees. What it really offers is choice.”Dr Mishra agrees: “We want women to approach the process with realistic expectations and a clear plan. With the right guidance, egg freezing becomes a tool for control, not confusion.”Egg freezing is not a magic wand that guarantees future babies, but it does offer women greater say over their timelines. The number of eggs you need depends on your age, ovarian reserve, and reproductive goals. The number of cycles it may take depends on how your body responds.What doctors want women to know is, do not see extra cycles or higher egg targets as setbacks. They are just reflections of biology. With the right preparation, information, and mindset, egg freezing is less about uncertainty and more about empowerment.

egg freezing demystified: how many eggs and cycles does it take?

Why Placenta Banking Is Being Called the Ultimate Health Insurance for Families

Placenta Preservation

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If you thought the only souvenirs from childbirth were baby pictures and tiny socks, times have changed. Turns out, the real treasure might be something most parents never even glance at before it is thrown away: the placenta and umbilical cord. Doctors are now calling <span>placenta banking</span> “biological insurance”, and the idea is picking up pace.

<h3>Your Baby’s Placenta Is More Than Just Leftovers</h3>

For centuries, the placenta has been treated as medical waste. But according to Dr. D.B. Usha Rajinikanthan, Senior Consultant in Gynaecology and IVF at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, this organ is brimming with <span>stem cells</span> that could be life-saving later on. 

“Placenta and <span>cord blood</span> contain stem cells that can repair or replace damaged tissue. Collecting them at birth is safe and painless, but once discarded, that opportunity is lost forever,” she says.

These tiny cells are essentially the body’s master builders, with the potential to transform into different blood and immune cells. Which means what is usually thrown in a bin could actually hold a family’s medical safety net.

Stem cells from the placenta are not just versatile; they are generous. Dr. Rajinikanthan explains that they have already been used to treat more than 80 <span>diseases</span> worldwide, including leukaemia, certain immune deficiencies and metabolic disorders. “Research is expanding into conditions like heart repair, brain injury and even diabetes,” she adds.

Placental stem cells are “younger” and more flexible, making them easier to match with siblings and relatives. In simple terms, the baby, siblings, parents and even grandparents may stand to benefit. It is not just your child’s resource; it is potentially a family heirloom.

<h3><span rel="noindex">Placenta Preservation</span>: A Health Insurance</h3>

If we insure our cars and houses against accidents, why not our health? Placenta banking works on that philosophy. “It is a one-time investment in future health security. Families may never need it, but having stored stem cells gives enormous peace of mind,” says Dr. Rajinikanthan. She emphasises, though, that choosing an accredited stem cell bank that follows quality standards is essential.

<h3>How Does Amniotic Membrane Help?</h3>

Beyond the cord blood, there is another underrated star, the amniotic membrane. Dr. A. Jaishree Gajaraj, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, explains that the <span>amnion</span> has been saving lives for over a century. “The first use dates back to 1910 when it was applied as a skin graft to promote healing. Today, it is used in ophthalmology for dry eyes, as well as for burns and diabetic ulcers,” she says.

In other words, this part of the placenta is not just a wrapper for your baby; it is a medical toolkit waiting to be tapped.

Stem cell science has moved leaps and bounds in recent decades. According to Dr. Gajaraj, the umbilical cord blood and tissue have already been used successfully in bone marrow transplants for children with leukaemia and other bone marrow disorders. But the real buzz is around their future potential.

“These pluripotent cells are being researched for regenerating organs like the pancreas, liver, lungs and even the spinal cord. While still experimental, the promise is extraordinary,” she explains.

She adds that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from cord tissue, are showing the greatest promise in regenerative therapies. “Foetal MSCs from cord tissue expand better, are less likely to trigger immune rejection, and have higher therapeutic potential than their maternal counterparts,” says Dr. Gajaraj. Simply put, storing placenta and cord tissue maximises the number and types of cells available for future therapies.

<h3>But What About Delayed Cord Clamping?</h3>

Some parents worry that opting for placenta banking might compromise delayed cord clamping, the practice of waiting a few minutes before cutting the cord to allow extra blood flow to the baby. Dr. Gajaraj reassures that this is not the case. “Delayed clamping does not reduce the yield of mesenchymal stem cells. Parents can safely choose both practices,” she says.

<h3>A Gift From Your Newborn to the Whole Family</h3>

Placenta banking is not a crystal ball or a cure-all. It does not guarantee immunity against every illness. But as both doctors point out, it offers a shot at future treatments that could transform outcomes in life-threatening conditions

placenta preservation

placenta banking

amnion

therapy

diseases

transplant

medicine

stem cells

biological insurance

cord blood

If you thought the only souvenirs from childbirth were baby pictures and tiny socks, times have changed. Turns out, the real treasure might be something most parents never even glance at before it is thrown away: the placenta and umbilical cord. Doctors are now calling placenta banking “biological insurance”, and the idea is picking up pace.Your Baby’s Placenta Is More Than Just LeftoversFor centuries, the placenta has been treated as medical waste. But according to Dr. D.B. Usha Rajinikanthan, Senior Consultant in Gynaecology and IVF at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, this organ is brimming with stem cells that could be life-saving later on. “Placenta and cord blood contain stem cells that can repair or replace damaged tissue. Collecting them at birth is safe and painless, but once discarded, that opportunity is lost forever,” she says.These tiny cells are essentially the body’s master builders, with the potential to transform into different blood and immune cells. Which means what is usually thrown in a bin could actually hold a family’s medical safety net.Why Stem Cells Are a Big DealStem cells from the placenta are not just versatile; they are generous. Dr. Rajinikanthan explains that they have already been used to treat more than 80 diseases worldwide, including leukaemia, certain immune deficiencies and metabolic disorders. “Research is expanding into conditions like heart repair, brain injury and even diabetes,” she adds.Placental stem cells are “younger” and more flexible, making them easier to match with siblings and relatives. In simple terms, the baby, siblings, parents and even grandparents may stand to benefit. It is not just your child’s resource; it is potentially a family heirloom.Placenta Preservation: A Health InsuranceIf we insure our cars and houses against accidents, why not our health? Placenta banking works on that philosophy. “It is a one-time investment in future health security. Families may never need it, but having stored stem cells gives enormous peace of mind,” says Dr. Rajinikanthan. She emphasises, though, that choosing an accredited stem cell bank that follows quality standards is essential.How Does Amniotic Membrane Help?Beyond the cord blood, there is another underrated star, the amniotic membrane. Dr. A. Jaishree Gajaraj, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, explains that the amnion has been saving lives for over a century. “The first use dates back to 1910 when it was applied as a skin graft to promote healing. Today, it is used in ophthalmology for dry eyes, as well as for burns and diabetic ulcers,” she says.In other words, this part of the placenta is not just a wrapper for your baby; it is a medical toolkit waiting to be tapped.The Science Behind the PromiseStem cell science has moved leaps and bounds in recent decades. According to Dr. Gajaraj, the umbilical cord blood and tissue have already been used successfully in bone marrow transplants for children with leukaemia and other bone marrow disorders. But the real buzz is around their future potential.“These pluripotent cells are being researched for regenerating organs like the pancreas, liver, lungs and even the spinal cord. While still experimental, the promise is extraordinary,” she explains.She adds that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from cord tissue, are showing the greatest promise in regenerative therapies. “Foetal MSCs from cord tissue expand better, are less likely to trigger immune rejection, and have higher therapeutic potential than their maternal counterparts,” says Dr. Gajaraj. Simply put, storing placenta and cord tissue maximises the number and types of cells available for future therapies.But What About Delayed Cord Clamping?Some parents worry that opting for placenta banking might compromise delayed cord clamping, the practice of waiting a few minutes before cutting the cord to allow extra blood flow to the baby. Dr. Gajaraj reassures that this is not the case. “Delayed clamping does not reduce the yield of mesenchymal stem cells. Parents can safely choose both practices,” she says.A Gift From Your Newborn to the Whole FamilyPlacenta banking is not a crystal ball or a cure-all. It does not guarantee immunity against every illness. But as both doctors point out, it offers a shot at future treatments that could transform outcomes in life-threatening conditions

why placenta banking is being called the ultimate health insurance for families

Aarushi Bhadury

Infant Removed Just Hours After Birth Despite Law Change: Is The Danish Parenting Test Still Separating Families?

Infant Removed Just Hours After Birth Despite Law Change: Is The Danish Parenting Test Still Separating Families?

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In a heartbreaking incident, an infant was removed from the mother, just a mere hour after giving birth after she underwent “parenting competence” tests, despite the new law banning the test. 

As the Guardian reports, Ivana Nikoline Brønlund was told she was "not Greenlandic enough" for the new law to apply to her. The social affairs minister for Denmark, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, has since expressed concern and is asking the municipality to explain its actions, stating that the law on these tests is "clear." 

<h2>Why Did The Greenlandic Authorities Remove Ivana’s Baby? </h2>

The tests, known as FKU, were made illegal for people with Greenlandic backgrounds in May. However, Brønlund, 18, who was born in Greenland to Greenlandic parents, was subjected to a test that began in April and was completed in June, after the law had already taken effect. She was told three weeks before giving birth that her baby would be removed from her care. 

Brønlund said she was told her baby was removed because of trauma she suffered from her adoptive father. She says she has only seen her daughter, Aviaja-Luuna, once for a supervised hour, during which she was not allowed to comfort or change her. Brønlund's appeals will be heard on September 16. 

This case has sparked protests in Greenland and other cities, with campaigners arguing that it is wrong to punish someone for trauma they are not responsible for. Another similar case involving a Greenlandic mother, <span>Keira Alexandra Kronvold</span>, has also drawn global attention after her baby was removed by Danish authorities. 

<h2>What Are The Controversial “FKU Test” Danish Parenting Tests? </h2>

The FKU, or "parenting competency test," was used by Danish authorities to decide if parents were fit to raise their children. The test was supposed to protect kids, but many believed it was used to unfairly remove Greenlandic children from their homes. 

The test used Western ideas of what makes a good parent and was given in Danish. It ignored important parts of Greenlandic life, like their language and culture. Because of this, many Greenlandic parents were misunderstood, and their children were taken away. 

Greenlandic children have been a large and unfair part of Denmark's child welfare system. Around 5-7% of Greenlandic children in Denmark were taken from their homes, compared to just 1% of Danish children. Activists believe the <span>FKU test</span> contributed to this big difference. 

<h2>Why Is the FKU Test Controversial? </h2>

The test was based on Danish and Western ideas of parenting. It often misunderstood traditional Greenlandic values, like communal childcare and different ways of communicating. This led to parents being judged unfairly. 

The test had a hugely unfair effect on Greenlandic families. Cases like that of Keira Alexandra Kronvold, whose baby was removed just hours after birth, caused public outrage and protests. These events brought up painful memories of times when families were split up and people were forced to change their culture. 

Human rights groups, including the United Nations, criticized the test for its serious cultural biases. They said the test went against international agreements that require Denmark to protect the cultural identity of Indigenous people. 

The Danish government has now promised to make future parental reports more culturally sensitive. However, for families like Keira's, who lost their children because of this test, the change comes too late. 

<h2>Continued Oppression Of Greenlandic Indigenous Women </h2>

While the FKU test is shocking, it is far from being the only case of oppression forced upon them from history. On Wednesday, the leaders of Denmark and Greenland officially apologized for the forced contraception of Greenlandic Inuit women and girls decades ago. This was a dark chapter in their shared history, and both countries admitted their role in the mistreatment. 

Between the 1960s and mid-1970s, Danish health authorities fitted as many as 4,500 women and girls in Greenland with intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent pregnancies. Many of these women, including teenagers, were not fully informed about the procedure and did not give their consent. This was allegedly done to control the rapid population growth in Greenland at the time. 

Last year, nearly 150 of these women sued the Danish government, claiming that their human rights were violated. 

<h2>How Has The Greenland And Denmark Officials Responded To The Lawsuit? </h2>

The Danish Prime Minister, <span>Mette Frederiksen</span>, formally apologized on behalf of Denmark, stating that while the past cannot be changed, they can take responsibility. She said the apology also covers other systematic discrimination against Greenlanders. 

Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also acknowledged his country's role and said they plan to offer compensation to the victims. He described the situation as leaving "deep imprints on lives, families and communities." 

Although the apology was welcomed and accepted as a big step, but it is noted that the lawsuit is still pending. The apology is seen as a start to repairing the relationship between Denmark and Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953 and is now a self-governing entity within the Danish realm. This event is a reminder that the effects of past colonial policies, such as the forced separation of families and forced contraception, still impact people today. 

Danish Parenting Test

keira alexandra kronvold

mette frederiksen

ivanas baby

ivana nikoline brnlund

Greenland Parenting Test

Banned Parenting test

baby taken away from greenlandic mother

FKU Test

FKU Test Danish Parenting Tests

In a heartbreaking incident, an infant was removed from the mother, just a mere hour after giving birth after she underwent “parenting competence” tests, despite the new law banning the test. As the Guardian reports, Ivana Nikoline Brønlund was told she was "not Greenlandic enough" for the new law to apply to her. The social affairs minister for Denmark, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, has since expressed concern and is asking the municipality to explain its actions, stating that the law on these tests is "clear." Why Did The Greenlandic Authorities Remove Ivana’s Baby? The tests, known as FKU, were made illegal for people with Greenlandic backgrounds in May. However, Brønlund, 18, who was born in Greenland to Greenlandic parents, was subjected to a test that began in April and was completed in June, after the law had already taken effect. She was told three weeks before giving birth that her baby would be removed from her care. Brønlund said she was told her baby was removed because of trauma she suffered from her adoptive father. She says she has only seen her daughter, Aviaja-Luuna, once for a supervised hour, during which she was not allowed to comfort or change her. Brønlund's appeals will be heard on September 16. This case has sparked protests in Greenland and other cities, with campaigners arguing that it is wrong to punish someone for trauma they are not responsible for. Another similar case involving a Greenlandic mother, Keira Alexandra Kronvold, has also drawn global attention after her baby was removed by Danish authorities. What Are The Controversial “FKU Test” Danish Parenting Tests? The FKU, or "parenting competency test," was used by Danish authorities to decide if parents were fit to raise their children. The test was supposed to protect kids, but many believed it was used to unfairly remove Greenlandic children from their homes. The test used Western ideas of what makes a good parent and was given in Danish. It ignored important parts of Greenlandic life, like their language and culture. Because of this, many Greenlandic parents were misunderstood, and their children were taken away. Greenlandic children have been a large and unfair part of Denmark's child welfare system. Around 5-7% of Greenlandic children in Denmark were taken from their homes, compared to just 1% of Danish children. Activists believe the FKU test contributed to this big difference. Why Is the FKU Test Controversial? Cultural Bias The test was based on Danish and Western ideas of parenting. It often misunderstood traditional Greenlandic values, like communal childcare and different ways of communicating. This led to parents being judged unfairly. Unfair Impact The test had a hugely unfair effect on Greenlandic families. Cases like that of Keira Alexandra Kronvold, whose baby was removed just hours after birth, caused public outrage and protests. These events brought up painful memories of times when families were split up and people were forced to change their culture. Human Rights Concerns Human rights groups, including the United Nations, criticized the test for its serious cultural biases. They said the test went against international agreements that require Denmark to protect the cultural identity of Indigenous people. The Danish government has now promised to make future parental reports more culturally sensitive. However, for families like Keira's, who lost their children because of this test, the change comes too late. Continued Oppression Of Greenlandic Indigenous Women While the FKU test is shocking, it is far from being the only case of oppression forced upon them from history. On Wednesday, the leaders of Denmark and Greenland officially apologized for the forced contraception of Greenlandic Inuit women and girls decades ago. This was a dark chapter in their shared history, and both countries admitted their role in the mistreatment. Between the 1960s and mid-1970s, Danish health authorities fitted as many as 4,500 women and girls in Greenland with intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent pregnancies. Many of these women, including teenagers, were not fully informed about the procedure and did not give their consent. This was allegedly done to control the rapid population growth in Greenland at the time. Last year, nearly 150 of these women sued the Danish government, claiming that their human rights were violated. How Has The Greenland And Denmark Officials Responded To The Lawsuit? The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, formally apologized on behalf of Denmark, stating that while the past cannot be changed, they can take responsibility. She said the apology also covers other systematic discrimination against Greenlanders. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also acknowledged his country's role and said they plan to offer compensation to the victims. He described the situation as leaving "deep imprints on lives, families and communities." Although the apology was welcomed and accepted as a big step, but it is noted that the lawsuit is still pending. The apology is seen as a start to repairing the relationship between Denmark and Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953 and is now a self-governing entity within the Danish realm. This event is a reminder that the effects of past colonial policies, such as the forced separation of families and forced contraception, still impact people today. 

infant removed just hours after birth despite law change: is the danish parenting test still separating families?

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