Forced IUDs in Greenland: Denmark’s Dark Past

Doctor discussing with patient, holding clipboard on desk.

Denmark’s forced IUD campaign in Greenland has resurfaced, sparking a battle for justice and accountability.

Story Highlights

Denmark’s forced IUD campaign affected thousands of Greenlandic women and girls.
Survivors seek justice and compensation as Denmark issues a formal apology.
The campaign is a stark reminder of Denmark’s colonial control over Greenland.
Legal actions and inquiries into the scandal are currently underway.

Denmark’s IUD Campaign in Greenland

Between the mid-1960s and 1970s, Danish health authorities launched a controversial campaign to insert intrauterine devices (IUDs) into thousands of Greenlandic Inuit women and girls. This was part of an effort to control population growth and reduce modernization costs. Many of these procedures were conducted without proper consent, affecting about half of all fertile women and girls in Greenland. The campaign has been criticized for its coercive nature and lack of transparency.

The campaign was part of a broader pattern of colonial interventions by Denmark, which included other discriminatory practices such as forced separation of children from their families. The IUD campaign was executed under the guise of family planning, but it soon became evident that the primary motive was to reduce financial burdens on Denmark. The legacy of these actions has left deep psychological scars on the affected individuals and their communities.

Survivor Activism and Legal Battles

In recent years, survivors of the forced IUD campaign have stepped forward to share their experiences. Led by psychologist Naja Lyberth, these individuals have organized to demand recognition, justice, and compensation. The issue gained further attention in May 2022 when a Danish broadcaster’s investigation brought the scandal back into the public eye. Since then, over 130 women have organized claims via social media, and legal actions have been taken against Denmark.

As of March 2024, 143 women have filed lawsuits against Denmark, seeking damages totaling approximately DKK 43 million. These legal actions are supported by survivor testimonies and historical evidence, emphasizing the need for accountability and reparations. In August 2025, the Danish Prime Minister issued a formal apology, acknowledging the harm caused by the campaign.

Ongoing Inquiries and Political Implications

A joint inquiry between Denmark and Greenland is currently underway, scheduled to conclude by January 2026. This inquiry aims to uncover the full extent of the campaign’s impact and to provide a platform for survivors to voice their grievances. Greenlandic politicians continue to demand broader accountability and reparations, with some labeling the campaign as an act of genocide due to its colonial implications.

The scandal has reignited discussions about Greenlandic independence and self-determination, highlighting the broader impacts of colonial policies on indigenous communities. As the inquiry progresses, it remains to be seen how these revelations will shape future Denmark-Greenland relations.