TTB's response to abortion obstacles: 'Abortion requests are rejected without justification'

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) wrote a letter to the General Directorate of Health Services of the Ministry of Health on June 4 regarding the verbal notifications made to them regarding the unjustified rejection of requests for elective abortion and termination of pregnancies within the limits of the legislation.

The article reminded that the termination of unplanned or unwanted pregnancies is regulated by law and secured under certain conditions, and stated that the obstacles preventing people from accessing this service have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of pregnant women. Cumhuriyet spoke with TTB Central Council 2nd President Prof. Dr. Pınar Saip on the subject.

Saip, drawing attention to the fact that abortion is a right, said that the real problem is that society is not sufficiently informed about birth control practices. Stating that the ministry does not provide access to free birth control methods, Saip said, “Couples have the right to have as many children as they want, whenever they want. There is almost no possibility of abortion in public hospitals for unwanted pregnancies within the legal period. Women either apply to private hospitals or try to have miscarriages using different methods due to financial difficulties. Unfortunately, this situation is a policy implemented through the female body. The state must definitely provide access to free birth control methods for women.”