The minister stated that the current regulations have been too unclear, prompting the legislative move. A personal case illustrates the problem: Sofie Frøysaa wrote a birth plan letter to the hospital specifying that her husband should be allowed to be present throughout the entire birth process, but he was still sent home when the birth began. She was left scared and alone at the hospital after her husband was sent home.
Akershus University Hospital, where Sofie gave birth, has previously apologized for this incident to NRK. Reactions and concerns have emerged, with Vestre noting that several hospitals misunderstand the current rules, which state that as a main rule, the patient's wish to have a companion should be accommodated. Aida Leistad Thomassen, leader of the interest organization Barselopprøret, said it is a surprisingly common practice, especially at large hospitals, to send partners home due to lack of space or procedures.
Several hospitals wrote in their consultation responses that they fear relatives will take space from other patients, get in the way where multiple patients are treated simultaneously, or that patients will think they have the right to let relatives stay overnight at the hospital. The legislative process is underway, with the bill unchanged after the consultation period despite these concerns from hospitals. The bill will be voted on after Easter.