A Danish family is struggling to get access to their sick baby’s medical records, highlighting a nationwide issue in the healthcare system. A new law may fix the problem, but not until 2026.
Parents Fighting for Access to Medical Records
In Aalborg, five-month-old Jeppe has been in contact with the Danish healthcare system 49 times in his short life. His parents, Kamilla and Lasse Møller Hansen, have seen numerous doctors, specialists, and dietitians as they search for answers about their son’s condition. Jeppe is currently undergoing genetic testing, but the cause of his health challenges is still unclear.
Despite the many hospital visits, the parents say one of the toughest parts of the process is not medical uncertainty but the bureaucracy surrounding health records. While adults in Denmark can easily access their own digital medical journals, parents cannot automatically view their children’s records.
Instead, they must request access individually from each hospital department their child has visited. For families managing an ongoing illness, that process can become overwhelming. Each new appointment means another set of requests, forms, and waiting periods. The couple says this leaves them without a clear overview of Jeppe’s progress.
A Citizen Proposal for Change
Frustrated by the system, Kamilla and Lasse created a citizen proposal urging lawmakers to simplify parental access to children’s medical data. Their idea gained attention after months of navigating the system and receiving excellent care, but struggling to keep up with the logistics.
They argue that parents should have automatic digital access to their child’s medical journal. This, they say, would save families time and energy while keeping them better informed about treatments and test results.
The campaign has also received political support. Members of the Danish Parliament, including health spokesperson Per Larsen from the Conservative People’s Party, say they recognize how difficult it is for parents to manage repeated requests for access. He believes the proposal is reasonable and that a legislative fix should come as soon as possible.
Legal Changes Are on the Way
Interestingly, the Danish government has already passed a law that partially addresses the issue. In late 2023, the Health Act was amended to allow parents with custody to access more of their children’s health information digitally until the child turns 15.
However, the Ministry of the Interior and Health has confirmed that implementation has been delayed. Officials said the delay stems from the complexity of ensuring children’s safety and privacy, especially in sensitive family situations. According to the ministry, the new system should be ready in the second half of 2026.
Until then, parents like Kamilla and Lasse must continue applying for access through Denmark’s hospital record systems. While patient privacy remains a cornerstone of Danish healthcare, many families find the current rules outdated and unnecessarily complicated.
Broader Discussion About Transparency
The debate goes beyond a single family’s story. It touches on broader questions about how Denmark balances parental rights, patient confidentiality, and digital efficiency. As technology transforms the national health database, policymakers are working to ensure systems protect children while keeping parents informed.
For families navigating long medical journeys, quicker digital access could make a major difference. Better transparency could mean fewer errors, reduced stress, and stronger communication between families and healthcare providers.
Denmark’s healthcare system remains one of the most trusted and well-organized in the world, but this case shows how certain gaps still affect ordinary families. With the proposed changes expected by 2026, many parents are hopeful that the next generation of families will find the system easier to navigate.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish healthcare explained for tourists & expats
The Danish Dream: Health insurance in Denmark for foreigners
TV2: Deres lille søn er syg, men forældre kæmper med at få svar
