Greenlandic women subjected to non-consensual contraceptive procedures in the mid-20th century will receive compensation following a decision by the Danish Parliament.

The Danish Parliament has approved a compensation plan for thousands of Greenlandic women who were subjected to forced contraceptive procedures during the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, Danish doctors inserted contraceptive devices, primarily intrauterine devices (IUDs), into women and girls in Greenland without their knowledge or consent. The practice, reportedly aimed at curbing population growth in the former colony, has been described as a dark chapter in Denmark’s history.

In 2025, then-Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen offered a formal apology for the actions of Danish authorities. To further address the issue, two investigative reports are set to be published, shedding more light on the extent of the scandal and its impact on the affected women. The reports are expected to outline the systemic failures that enabled such practices and the long-term consequences for individuals and communities in Greenland.

Until 1992, Denmark retained control over Greenland’s healthcare system, despite Greenland’s status as a largely autonomous territory today. As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the island still holds formal ties to the Danish government. The compensation decision marks a significant step in acknowledging the suffering caused by these historical violations and addressing their lingering legacy.