Turkey sanctions dozens of obstetricians as government tightens restrictions on caesarean births

Saturday 11 July 2026 - 10:28

By: Sahili Aya

Turkey sanctions dozens of obstetricians as government tightens restrictions on caesarean births

Turkey has intensified its campaign to reduce the country's high rate of caesarean deliveries, with health authorities reportedly imposing sanctions on around one hundred obstetricians and gynaecologists as part of a broader effort to reshape maternity care.

The measures, introduced by the Ministry of Health, have sparked criticism from medical professionals, who argue that increased disciplinary action risks interfering with clinical decision-making.

Government expands campaign to reduce caesarean births

According to reports, physicians have received financial penalties, disciplinary investigations and, in some cases, temporary suspensions linked to the number of caesarean procedures they performed.

Medical organisations also reported that some practitioners were required to complete additional prenatal care training following official reviews.

The latest actions follow reforms introduced in 2025, when the Turkish government prohibited elective caesarean sections in private healthcare facilities unless medically justified.

Türkiye records the OECD's highest caesarean rate

Turkey continues to report the highest caesarean section rate among the 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Official figures indicate approximately 615 caesarean deliveries per 1,000 live births in 2023, well above the OECD average.

The government argues that reducing medically unnecessary procedures is an important public health objective and forms part of a broader strategy to encourage natural childbirth.

Family policy shapes healthcare reforms

The initiative is closely linked to the government's "Decade of the Family" programme, launched to address declining birth rates.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly expressed support for natural childbirth and has called for measures to reduce what authorities describe as unnecessary caesarean deliveries.

The latest disciplinary actions have nevertheless prompted concern within the medical community, with professional organisations warning that treatment decisions should remain based primarily on individual clinical needs rather than administrative targets.

The debate highlights the continuing tension between national demographic policies and medical autonomy as Turkey seeks to influence reproductive healthcare practices.