In Denmark, a Greenlandic mother lost her newborn just one hour after giving birth, when authorities intervened and removed the baby. The case has sparked strong reactions and questions about parental rights and social care.
What happened? A brief overview of the situation
The mother (Ivana Nikoline) travelled to Denmark, where she gave birth. One hour after the birth, Danish authorities decided to take the newborn away. The reason given was concern for the child’s welfare, but the situation is complicated and has generated much controversy.
What a terrifying story.
“[Ivana Nikoline] Brønlund learned that her child had been taken from her because of the trauma she suffered at the hands of her adoptive father, who is in prison for sexual harassment”.
Reasons for the Danish authorities' intervention
Danish family law is one of the strictest in Europe, particularly when it comes to protecting children. Authorities can act quickly when there is suspicion of neglect or danger to a child.
Main reasons for removing the child
Her adoptive father is closely connected to this case. According to Danish authorities, the mother suffered trauma at his hands – he had sexually abused her. This man is currently in prison. The authorities cited this fact as one of the reasons for removing the child from the woman.
- Concerns for the child’s safety: Earlier information about the home situation and the mother’s health
- Assessment of the mother’s parenting capacity: Medical and social assessments suggesting a risk to the child
- Social care procedures: Initiation of protective proceedings under applicable regulations
- Lack of an adequate support network: Limited assistance for a mother located outside the country and its social care system
The mother, whose child was taken by Danish authorities one hour after birth, has seen her daughter only once since then. The meeting lasted just about an hour and took place under supervision. The mother had no opportunity to calm the baby or change her nappy during the meeting.
The woman may currently see the child only once every two weeks for two hours, always under supervision. Her appeal against the decision to remove the child is scheduled for 16 September 2025.
Danish Minister of Social Affairs Sophie Hæstorp Andersen expressed concern about the situation of the Greenlandic mother whose child was removed an hour after birth. She asked the municipality of Høje-Taastrup for an explanation, stressing that standardised parenting competence tests must not be used on families of Greenlandic origin, as they have been banned by new legislation since May 2025. The minister firmly stated that the law is clear and such practices are unacceptable.
The local authorities, for their part, admitted they had made mistakes, but said they are trying to provide the best possible solutions for the family.
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