Good question. The statistics on what's happening in hospitals aren't the only source that will provide the answer. That data shows only how many sterilizations have taken place, and not whether the sterilizations were forced.
When the government was asked in the 1970s about the hospitals in the territories still under its responsibility, it looked at the statistics and it didn't necessarily conclude that there was an issue. This doesn't mean that Inuit women weren't affected by the issue during this period. The government then implemented measures to improve the consent process. For example, two doctors would need to recommend the procedure and the woman's spouse would also need to sign the consent form. In short, measures to address this ethical issue were implemented at the time.
A qualitative research project must be carried out, and indigenous organizations must be involved in the project. During the external review conducted in Saskatoon, a number of women stated that they wanted to participate. However, when they realized that the study had been ordered by the regional board, they withdrew from the project. They were afraid.