Denmark approves 300,000 kroner compensation for Greenland women subjected to forced contraception

August 27, 2026 at 05:15 PM1 min

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Denmark's parliament approved compensation of 300,000 kroner ($46,730) for Greenlandic women subjected to forced contraception from the early 1960s to 1991. The decision follows lawsuits filed by 143 women seeking a total of 43 million kroner ($6.1 million). Greenland MP Karsok Høg-Dam called the compensation 'the tip of the iceberg' and 'the least we can do.'

Key Facts

Denmark's parliament approved compensation of 300,000 kroner ($46,730) per woman for Greenlandic women subjected to forced contraception from the early 1960s to 1991.
143 women filed lawsuits against the Danish government seeking a total of 43 million kroner ($6.1 million).
Greenland MP Karsok Høg-Dam said the compensation is 'the tip of the iceberg' and 'the least we can do.'
The forced contraception campaign targeted minors and women after childbirth or abortion, often without consent or knowledge.

Compensation Approval

Denmark's parliament approved compensation of 300,000 kroner ($46,730) for Greenlandic women subjected to forced contraception from the early 1960s to 1991. The decision was reported by Danish news agency Ritzau. Greenland MP Karsok Høg-Dam stated the compensation is 'the tip of the iceberg' and 'the least we can do.'

Forced Contraception Campaign

The campaign began in the 1960s to control birth rates on the island. Intrauterine devices were inserted in minors and women after childbirth or abortion, often without consent or knowledge. Greenlandic women subjected to forced contraception before 1991 have not yet received compensation.

Legal Claims

143 women filed lawsuits against the Danish government over the procedures performed without their consent. The total amount claimed is 43 million kroner ($6.1 million).