The Greenlandic government has begun accepting applications for compensation from women who had intrauterine devices (IUDs) or other forms of contraception inserted without their consent after January 1, 1992. This initiative addresses past abuses within the healthcare system.

The move follows an official apology issued in September by both the Greenlandic government (Naalakkersuisut) and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to the women affected. The compensation scheme is part of Naalakkersuisut’s effort to acknowledge the pain and indignity caused by these non-consensual procedures.

The special compensation scheme is specifically for cases that occurred after the repatriation of the health sector in 1992.

Applications are being accepted immediately from women who experienced the insertion of an IUD or contraceptive implant without their consent. Furthermore, women who received injections of DepoProvera or underwent sterilization without consent are also eligible. Under special circumstances, other forms of contraception may also be considered for compensation.

To qualify, the incidents must have taken place within the Greenlandic healthcare system, including hospitals or other public institutions. Compensation may also be available if the contraception was administered elsewhere but funded by Naalakkersuisut.