Turkey Fines Over 100 Doctors for Performing Caesarean Sections
Turkey's Ministry of Health has imposed fines and disciplinary actions on more than 100 obstetrician-gynaecologists for conducting Caesarean sections. These doctors have also faced temporary suspensions from duty and mandatory retraining. This action follows Turkey's highest rate of C-section births among OECD nations, with approximately 615 procedures per 1,000 live births reported in 2023. Medical professionals argue that C-sections are more time-efficient, taking about 30 minutes compared to 12 hours for vaginal delivery, and offer reduced legal risks for complications. The government's move aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "Decade of the Family" initiative, aimed at increasing birthrates and promoting natural births. This initiative has led to increased government oversight on childbirth methods. The government plans to ban medically unjustified C-sections at private healthcare facilities starting April 2025. Medical associations have reported that affected doctors received warnings, faced investigations, temporary suspensions, and were required to attend antenatal training due to high C-section rates. One reported case involved an obstetrician in Sakarya, near Istanbul, who was dismissed and suspended for six months following a request from the health ministry.
The Turkish government's intervention in obstetric practices, specifically targeting high rates of Caesarean sections, reflects a broader policy objective to influence birth rates and promote natural childbirth. This approach raises questions about the balance between public health policy, physician autonomy, and patient choice. While the government cites concerns over elective C-sections and declining birth rates, the disciplinary actions against medical professionals may create an environment of fear, potentially impacting clinical decision-making and access to care. The emphasis on 'natural births' could overlook complex medical factors and individual circumstances, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes or increased risks if medically indicated procedures are discouraged. Future healthcare governance in Turkey may need to navigate these competing priorities by fostering evidence-based guidelines and open dialogue, ensuring that policy decisions prioritize patient well-being and clinical necessity over demographic targets.
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