Denmark to allow administrative appeals in Greenlandic IUD case

The Danish government has proposed an amendment to allow Greenlandic women affected by the IUD case to seek administrative appeals if their compensation claims are denied. Previously, women who received rejections from Patienterstatningen would have been required to take their cases to court.

Health Minister Ida Auken expressed support for the change, stating she shares the desire to ensure the rights of the affected women are protected. The proposed legislation offers 300,000 kroner in compensation to women who had intrauterine devices (IUDs) inserted without their knowledge or sufficient consent between 1960 and 1991, with some practices continuing shortly after Greenland assumed control of its health sector in 1992.

An investigation indicated that at least 4,070 Greenlandic women had IUDs inserted without consent by the end of the 1970s. Since July 1, 201st women have applied for compensation under the current bill. Two reports commissioned by Greenland regarding Denmark's responsibility in the matter are expected to be released this Friday.