The Turkish government has banned caesarean section surgery in private medical institutions. The ban, which came into force this week, has sparked outrage across the country. Protests were held in Ankara and Istanbul, IPN reports.
The Turkish Ministry of Health launched a campaign against caesarean sections a few months ago. It states that the reduction in caesarean births is aimed at “promoting normal births and keeping population growth at a sustainable level,” reports Antena 3 CNN
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared 2025 the Year of the Family, and increasing the birth rate is a stated goal. While women after a natural childbirth can get pregnant again after a short time, a longer recovery period is recommended after caesarean section.
Dr. Ayșegül Ateș Tarla, a member of the Central Committee of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), said that the government is trying its best to boost population growth, thus putting great pressure on women. She said the regulation leaves the impression that women are easily choosing C-sections.
Private health centers are small clinics that are spread all over Turkey, but mostly in cities.
Turkey has the highest rate of cesarean births among the 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, according to the latest available data from 2021. According to the World Population Review, there were 584 such procedures for every 1,000 babies born alive in 2021.
