Greenland opens compensation process for non-consensual IUD insertions

Greenlandic women who underwent non-consensual IUD insertions can now apply for compensation, marking a significant step in addressing a historical injustice. The application process, which opened on Wednesday, will remain open until September 1, 2028. Each woman deemed eligible will receive a fixed compensation of 300,000 Danish kroner.

The case, known as the "IUD case," involves young Greenlandic women and girls who were fitted with contraceptive IUDs as part of a campaign that began in the 1960s. Numerous women have since come forward in media reports, detailing instances where they did not provide consent for the procedure.

Both Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued apologies last year for the widespread non-consensual insertions. The issue spans periods when Denmark was responsible for Greenland's healthcare system and after Greenland assumed control of the sector.

The Patient Compensation Association plans to conduct three tours across Greenland in the coming period. These outreach efforts aim to ensure that all potentially affected women are aware of the compensation scheme and receive assistance in their applications. The association will begin processing applications once a new law on the matter takes effect, which is anticipated for September 1, 2026.

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The law is expected to enter into force on September 1, 2026.