Türkiye Implements New Health Regulations: Elective C-Sections Banned in Medical Centers

Türkiye’s Ministry of Health has recently rolled out new regulations aimed at reducing non-medical cesarean sections. This is part of a larger initiative called the “Healthy Türkiye Century,” and it emphasizes the importance of encouraging natural childbirth across the country.

Under the new rules, medical centers can no longer perform elective cesarean sections unless there is a clear medical need. Facilities that want to support natural births must set up specialized birth units. However, these units can only exist in centers equipped with operating rooms and must follow strict guidelines, including controlled access and ample space, with each room measuring a minimum of 16 square meters.

This set of regulations also mandates electronic record-keeping and increased monitoring. The ministry plans to regularly audit medical practices to ensure treatments are not only scientifically valid but also effectively implemented. Only medical centers with at least ten specialists available 24/7 can create emergency and surgical intervention units, and they must meet specific criteria.

These changes are a response to troubling trends in Türkiye’s birth statistics. Over the last decade, cesarean births have surged by 30%, with a staggering 61 out of every 100 births now delivered this way. However, the government reports some success, as cesarean rates have decreased in 51 provinces following recent initiatives.

The push for natural births has sparked heated public discussions around women’s reproductive rights. Recently, during a popular football match, players from the Sivasspor team held up a banner stating, “What’s normal is natural birth – cesarean section is not natural unless medically necessary.” This moment polarized opinions, drawing both support and criticism regarding the government’s role in personal health decisions.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defended the campaign, connecting it to Türkiye’s declining birth rates and labeling it a matter of national significance. He highlighted the government’s efforts to improve healthcare access, mentioning the construction of 391 new hospitals in the past two decades.

As the debate continues, many are concerned about the balance between public health initiatives and personal choice. This shift reflects a broader trend seen worldwide, where countries are increasingly scrutinizing birth practices in hopes of aligning healthcare with individual rights and societal needs. For a deeper dive into Türkiye’s healthcare reforms, check out this recent report by the World Health Organization.

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