Fact Check: Women in Denmark previously could only volunteer for military service.

Fact Check: "Women in Denmark previously could only volunteer for military service."

What We Know

The claim that "women in Denmark previously could only volunteer for military service" is misleading. Historically, women in Denmark have had the option to volunteer for military service, but they were not included in the mandatory conscription system that applied to men. As of July 2025, a new law will require women to register for military conscription, thus changing their status from voluntary to mandatory service (Reuters, New York Times). This change indicates that while women could serve voluntarily in the military, they were not part of the conscription lottery system until this recent legislative update.

Analysis

The assertion that women could only volunteer for military service in Denmark is partially accurate but lacks context. Prior to the upcoming changes, women were indeed allowed to volunteer, which is supported by multiple sources (BBC, AP News). However, the claim fails to acknowledge that this was a choice rather than a restriction, as women were not barred from serving; they simply were not conscripted like men.

The reliability of the sources used to evaluate this claim is strong. The New York Times and Reuters are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. Additionally, the BBC and AP News are also credible sources that provide accurate reporting on international affairs. The Wikipedia entry on conscription in Denmark further clarifies the historical context of military service in Denmark, noting that women were not part of the mandatory draft until the recent legislative changes.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that "women in Denmark previously could only volunteer for military service" is misleading. While it is true that women could volunteer, they were not restricted from serving in the military; they simply were not included in the conscription system until the law changed in 2025. Therefore, the statement lacks the necessary context to be considered accurate.

Sources

1. Denmark - The World Factbook
2. Denmark - Wikipedia
3. Denmark expands military service to include women
4. Denmark Begins Drafting Women as Russian Threat Looms
5. Denmark will start drafting women as its military investment ...
6. Tanska – Wikipedia
7. Danish women to face conscription by lottery
8. Conscription in Denmark