Turkey Suspends More Than 100 Doctors Over Caesarean Birth Rates
Turkey's Health Ministry has reportedly suspended more than 100 obstetricians and gynecologists as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing the country's high rate of caesarean (C-section) deliveries.
The reported disciplinary measures come amid President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's broader "Decade of the Family" initiative, launched in 2025 to encourage higher birth rates and address Turkey's declining population growth.
According to Turkish media reports and statements from medical organizations, affected physicians have faced a combination of temporary suspensions, disciplinary investigations, financial penalties, official warnings, and mandatory retraining.
The policy has sparked debate among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocates over how governments should balance public health goals with medical independence and patient choice.
Why Is Turkey Focusing on Caesarean Births?
Turkey has one of the highest caesarean delivery rates among developed economies.
According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Turkey recorded approximately 615 caesarean births per 1,000 live births in 2023—the highest rate among OECD member countries.
Health officials argue that while caesarean sections are often life-saving when medically necessary, unnecessary surgical deliveries may:
- Increase recovery time for mothers.
- Raise the risk of certain surgical complications.
- Lead to higher healthcare costs.
- Affect future pregnancies.
The government has said its objective is to encourage vaginal births when they are considered medically appropriate, rather than eliminate caesarean deliveries altogether.
Earlier in 2026, authorities also introduced restrictions on elective caesarean procedures at private hospitals unless there is a documented medical indication.
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More Than 100 Doctors Reportedly Disciplined
Medical organizations report that more than 100 obstetricians and gynecologists have been affected by the government's enforcement campaign.
According to the Antalya Chamber of Physicians, disciplinary actions have reportedly included:
- Temporary suspension from medical practice.
- Official disciplinary investigations.
- Formal warnings.
- Mandatory antenatal care training.
- Additional evaluations before physicians may resume practice.
Reports also indicate that one physician employed at a private hospital near Istanbul was dismissed and suspended for six months.
According to those reports, the doctor must complete additional training at a state hospital and successfully pass an examination before returning to clinical practice.
Why Are Caesarean Rates So High?
Medical experts say there is no single explanation for Turkey's high rate of caesarean births.
Instead, several factors may contribute, including:
- High-risk pregnancies requiring surgical delivery.
- Previous caesarean births.
- Maternal health conditions.
- Hospital practices and scheduling considerations.
- Concerns about medical liability.
- Patient preferences in some cases.
International health organizations generally emphasize that the most appropriate method of childbirth should be determined individually, based on medical evidence and the health of both mother and baby.
Medical Organizations Raise Concerns
Several physician groups have questioned whether disciplinary measures alone will significantly reduce caesarean rates.
Healthcare professionals argue that broader structural issues also influence delivery decisions, including:
- Staffing shortages.
- Heavy workloads.
- Hospital capacity.
- Defensive medical practice due to legal concerns.
- Access to prenatal education.
Dr. Ayşe Gültekingil of the Turkish Medical Association has stated that the country's high caesarean rate reflects systemic challenges rather than solely the clinical decisions of individual physicians.
She argued that long-term improvements would require broader reforms addressing healthcare infrastructure, workforce pressures, patient education, and legal frameworks.
Government's Population Strategy
The reported disciplinary actions form part of Turkey's wider demographic strategy.
Government officials have expressed concern over declining fertility rates and an aging population, viewing childbirth policies as one element of broader family-focused initiatives.
The "Decade of the Family" program includes measures intended to encourage larger families while promoting what officials describe as healthier childbirth practices.
Supporters of the initiative argue that reducing unnecessary caesarean deliveries could improve maternal health outcomes.
Critics contend that medical decisions should remain primarily between patients and healthcare professionals, guided by individual clinical needs rather than administrative targets.
A Broader Global Discussion
Turkey is not the only country seeking to address rising caesarean rates.
Around the world, health authorities continue debating how to reduce unnecessary surgical births while ensuring women have access to caesarean procedures whenever medically required.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently emphasized that caesarean sections are essential and life-saving in many situations but advises that they should be performed based on medical need rather than non-medical factors.
Experts generally agree that improving maternal healthcare requires balancing:
- Evidence-based medical practice.
- Patient autonomy.
- Physician judgment.
- Public health policy.
- Healthcare system resources.
Why This Story Matters
Turkey's policy has attracted international attention because it raises broader questions extending beyond one country's healthcare system.
The debate touches on several important issues, including:
- Medical decision-making.
- Professional independence for physicians.
- Government involvement in healthcare policy.
- Maternal health outcomes.
- Population and demographic planning.
As governments worldwide confront declining birth rates and evolving healthcare challenges, Turkey's approach is likely to remain closely watched by policymakers and medical professionals alike.
Current Status
At the time of publication:
- More than 100 physicians have reportedly faced disciplinary measures.
- Restrictions on some elective caesarean procedures remain in place.
- Medical organizations continue expressing concerns about the policy.
- The Turkish government continues promoting its broader family and population initiatives.
Discussions between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and medical organizations are expected to continue as the policy develops.
Timeline of Key Developments
2023 – OECD data show Turkey records the highest caesarean delivery rate among member countries.
2025 – The Turkish government launches the "Decade of the Family" initiative aimed at encouraging population growth.
Earlier in 2026 – Restrictions are introduced on certain elective caesarean procedures in private hospitals.
Mid-2026 – Reports emerge that more than 100 obstetricians and gynecologists have been suspended or disciplined as part of the enforcement campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Turkey trying to reduce caesarean births?
The government says it wants to encourage vaginal births when medically appropriate, improve maternal health outcomes, and address the country's high rate of surgical deliveries.
Are caesarean sections banned?
No. Medically necessary caesarean deliveries remain legal and available. The reported measures primarily concern elective procedures and enforcement relating to government policy.
Why are some doctors concerned?
Medical organizations argue that caesarean rates are influenced by numerous systemic factors—including healthcare infrastructure, staffing, legal pressures, and patient circumstances—and that disciplinary action alone may not resolve those issues.
What happens next?
The government's policy remains in effect, while medical organizations and healthcare professionals continue discussing its impact on clinical practice, maternal care, and physician independence.
Final Thoughts
Turkey's efforts to reduce caesarean birth rates have become one of the country's most closely watched healthcare policy initiatives, reflecting broader concerns about maternal health, demographic change, and the role of government in medical decision-making.
While officials argue that encouraging medically appropriate vaginal births could improve long-term health outcomes, many healthcare professionals believe lasting progress will require broader reforms that address the underlying factors contributing to high caesarean rates. As the debate continues, the challenge for policymakers will be balancing public health objectives with evidence-based medicine, professional clinical judgment, and patient-centered care.
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