Turkey Fines Doctors to Reduce High C-Section Rates Amid 'Natural Birth' Push

Turkey's Ministry of Health has fined over 100 obstetricians and gynecologists for performing Caesarean sections, with some facing suspensions and mandatory training. This move is part of President Erdogan's initiative to promote natural births and address the country's highest C-section rate among OECD nations, which stood at 615 per 1,000 live births in 2023. The government has previously banned elective C-sections in private healthcare without medical justification. Medical professionals argue that C-sections are more efficient and safer for both doctors and patients, leading to backlash against the fines. The Turkish Medical Association has stated that penalizing doctors will not resolve the underlying structural issues contributing to the high C-section rates. The sanctions have sparked significant discontent among healthcare professionals across the country.

Key Points: • Over 100 doctors fined and suspended for high C-section rates in Turkey. • Turkey has the highest C-section rate among OECD countries, with 615 per 1,000 live births. • Erdogan's government promotes natural births and has banned elective C-sections without justification.