Greenland, breaking the silence: The scandal of Denmark's forced contraception campaign
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In 1960s Greenland, thousands of young Inuit girls – some barely teenagers – were sent to hospital. Without giving an explanation or obtaining their consent, Danish doctors fitted them with IUDs, a painful procedure that left lifelong scars. In total, more than 4,500 Greenlandic women were victims of this mass forced contraception campaign, orchestrated by the Danish authorities. FRANCE 24's Sarah Andersen has been to meet victims who are now demanding justice.
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Sustainability Times
07-08-2025
- Sustainability Times
'Donate Your Pets To Lions': Zoo's Shocking Plea Sparks Outrage And Heartbreak Across The Nation
IN A NUTSHELL 🦁 A Danish zoo has requested the public to donate unwanted small pets, such as rabbits, for its predators. 💬 The zoo defends the practice, citing the need to provide a more natural diet for their carnivores. for their carnivores. 🤔 Public reactions are mixed, with some questioning the ethical implications of using domestic pets as food. of using domestic pets as food. 🌍 This initiative may influence zoo feeding practices and policies worldwide. The recent initiative by a Danish zoo to invite pet owners to donate small, unwanted pets for predator consumption has sparked a global conversation. While many animal lovers express disdain at the idea of their cherished companions becoming part of the food chain, the zoo defends its policy as a commitment to animal welfare. This controversial practice raises questions about ethical zoo practices and the responsibility institutions have to mimic natural ecosystems. The Zoo's Controversial Request A Danish zoo has drawn international attention with its request for pet owners to donate unwanted small pets, such as hens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, for consumption by its predators. This initiative is not just about feeding the animals; it's an effort to replicate the natural diet of these carnivorous creatures. The zoo argues that offering prey animals with fur or feathers aligns with their mission to uphold animal welfare standards by simulating a more authentic food chain. The zoo's call to the public was made via a Facebook post, stating, 'In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the animals' natural food chain — for reasons of both animal welfare and professional integrity.' While this statement outlines their rationale, it has not shielded the institution from criticism. The ethical implications of using domestic pets as food, even if they are unwanted, remain a contentious topic. 'This Cat Saved My Life': Black Feline Leads Scientists to Hidden Human Virus That Could Rewrite Modern Medical Science Public Reaction and Ethical Concerns The public response has been mixed, with some expressing outright horror at the idea. A comedic yet telling comment from a woman questioned if children could be donated when they become troublesome, to which the zoo humorously replied that only animals with feathers or fur are accepted. This exchange highlights the unease and moral questions surrounding the practice. On the other hand, Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of the Aalborg Zoo, provided reassurance by explaining the commonality of this practice in Denmark. She emphasized the zoo's intention to give predators as natural a diet as possible, suggesting that many guests appreciate the opportunity to contribute. This stance, however, does not dispel the underlying ethical concerns about the treatment and use of domesticated animals. Scientists Stunned as Peacocks Found to Shoot 'Deadly Lasers' From Tails in Shocking Discovery That Could Change Everything About Nature Understanding the Zoo's Perspective From the zoo's viewpoint, providing a naturalistic diet to their predators is crucial. Nielsen reiterated that allowing animals that need to be euthanized to serve a purpose aligns with the zoo's mission. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the well-being of the zoo's carnivorous residents by providing them with food similar to what they would encounter in the wild. Despite this rationale, the practice challenges traditional views on pet ownership and the sanctity of domestic animals. Many pet owners find it difficult to reconcile the idea of their pets being used in this manner, regardless of the zoo's assurances of ethical practices. The discussion prompts broader questions about how we value different animal lives and the intersection of pet ownership and wildlife conservation. 'She Wasn't Supposed to Exist': U.S. Scientists Finally Confirm Spotted Supermom After 40 Years of Denial and Cultural Cover-Up Implications for Zoos Worldwide The Danish zoo's initiative may set a precedent or at least ignite discussions among zoos globally about how they procure food for their predators. The decision to accept unwanted pets as food sources could influence policies and practices in other institutions seeking to enhance animal welfare by mimicking natural diets. Moreover, this practice could lead to a re-evaluation of how zoos engage with the public in terms of conservation and education. By involving communities in the feeding process, zoos might foster a greater understanding of wildlife ecology. However, they must tread carefully to maintain public trust and ensure ethical standards are upheld. As zoos strive to balance animal welfare, ethical considerations, and public perception, the Danish zoo's practice invites us to ponder: Are we ready to redefine the roles of domestic animals in wildlife conservation, and what ethical boundaries should guide these decisions? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
Euronews
06-08-2025
- Euronews
Novo Nordisk keeps growing, fuelling hopes of a stock rebound
Novo Nordisk reported results for the first half of 2025 on Wednesday, days after issuing a profit warning that triggered a 23% single-day share price plunge — the steepest in its history. The results were broadly in line with expectations. In the first six months of 2025, Novo Nordisk's sales increased by 16% in Danish kroner and by 18% at constant exchange rates (CER) to DKK 154.9bn (€20.77bn). US sales climbed 16% in kroner (17% at CER), boosted by accounting changes. This included a DKK 3bn (€402 million) provision in the second quarter linked to the US' 340B drug discount scheme. International sales also rose 16% (19% at CER). Sales in Diabetes and Obesity care, meanwhile, grew 16% to DKK 145.4bn (€19.49bn), driven by a 56% surge in obesity treatments to DKK 38.8 billion (€5.2bn). GLP-1 diabetes drugs rose 8%, and rare disease sales increased 14%. Valuation slump In July 2024, Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk briefly touched a €600bn valuation, becoming Europe's most valuable company and even surpassing its country's gross domestic product. Just over a year later, its market capitalisation has collapsed to around €180bn, as cracks begin to emerge in the blockbuster narrative surrounding its weight-loss drugs. Yet some Wall Street analysts argue the sell-off may have gone too far. At current levels, they suggest the company could be entering value territory, potentially offering a compelling buying opportunity. Forecasts for the year ahead Looking ahead, Novo Nordisk's 2025 sales are expected to grow 8–14% at CER, with operating profit up 10–16%. Currency effects are seen trimming those gains by 3 and 5 percentage points respectively. The lowered forecast reflects reduced demand for GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss therapies due to alternative products from competitors — especially affecting Wegovy and Ozempic in the US and selected global markets. Meanwhile, leadership changes at Novo Nordisk will take effect this Thursday. After Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen was ousted in May linked to the firm's falling share price, Maziar Mike Doustdar will take over as CEO this week. Analysts eye buying opportunity after historic sell-off Goldman Sachs analyst James Quigley noted that the results were largely in line with the pre-release and exchange-rate pressures on operating profit were slightly less severe than initially feared. However, the firm flagged the discontinuation of several pipeline assets. These are individually minor, but collectively raising some concern about long-term research and development momentum. Quigley remained broadly optimistic on Novo Nordisk's long-term potential growth: "At the current level, we believe the sell-off is disconnected from the long-term opportunity in the obesity market, particularly given the significant manufacturing infrastructure and investments Novo is making or has already made.' Goldman Sachs acknowledged that uncertainties remain around the GLP-1 and obesity market, as well as Novo Nordisk's pipeline strength, particularly in light of the eventual semaglutide patent expiry. The firm said it would continue tracking key data points and developments closely. Still, Quigley added that, following the sharp share price drop, the risk-reward balance had shifted favourably. "On balance, we see more upside than downside risk and remain Buy-rated," the note read, with a DKK 400 (€53.62) target price implying about 29% upside from current levels. Market reaction Novo Nordisk shares were trading 2% lower during European morning trading on Wednesday, eyeing their seventh negative day out of the last eight. Shares are now down over 65% compared with a year ago.
Euronews
27-07-2025
- Euronews
What the science says about dying of a broken heart
It might actually be possible to die of a broken heart, even years after the loss of a loved one, new research suggests. Grief is a normal response to death, but for some bereaved people, it can cause serious physical and mental health problems in both the short- and long-term. Now, a study has found that people who suffer from consistently high levels of intense grief are more likely to die within a decade of their closest loved ones. A Danish research team spent a decade following more than 1,700 adults who had recently lost a partner, parent, or another close relative, dividing people into five groups based on the severity and consistency of their grief symptoms over time. Over the 10-year period, people on the 'high' grief trajectory – those with the longest-lasting, most intense grief – had a death rate that was 88 per cent higher than those with the lowest levels of grief symptoms, according to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health. Those in the high-grief group were also significantly more likely to be in therapy or taking antidepressant medicines more than three years after their loved one's death. After seven years, those differences tapered off. Researchers don't yet know exactly why people hit hardest by grief were more likely to die in the next decade after their loved one's death. 'We have previously found a connection between high grief symptom levels and higher rates of cardiovascular disease, mental health problems, and even suicide. But the association with mortality should be further investigated,' Mette Kjærgaard Nielsen, one of the study's authors and a postdoctoral researcher at Aarhus University, said in a statement. But she noted that people in the high-grief group tended to have lower education levels and take more mental health medicines before their loved one died. That suggests 'that they had signs of mental vulnerability which may cause greater distress on bereavement,' Nielsen said. Overall, participants were aged 62 on average when the study began, meaning some of their health issues could also be explained by ageing. The majority were women. The study was also small, with just 107 people in the high-grief group and 670 people in the low-grief group. Larger studies would be needed to confirm the findings. But the study adds to a growing body of research on how emotional shocks affect our health. One such risk is takotsubo cardiomyopathy, commonly known as broken heart syndrome, because it is associated with stressful events like the death of a loved one. It occurs when the heart temporarily enlarges and doesn't pump well, causing heart failure that can be mistaken for a heart attack. Women are more likely to suffer from broken heart syndrome, but men are more likely to die from the condition, according to a study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Another study found that grieving adults are more likely to die from heart disease and suicide in the three years after their spouses die. Men are also more likely to die from digestive or respiratory issues. Nielsen said the latest results could help doctors become more aware of the signs to look out for if a patient in mourning could be at risk of having their own health deteriorate. 'They can then offer these patients tailored follow-up in general practice, or refer them to a private-practice psychologist or secondary care,' Nielsen said.
