Reports Filed Against 20 Doctors' Private Practices in Istanbul on Grounds of Performing Abortions

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) announced that the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Health conducted inspections at the private practices of 20 gynecologists and obstetricians, filing reports claiming that performing abortions in these clinics is prohibited. The TTB declared that it will oppose any penalties imposed on doctors based on these groundless claims and will stand by its colleagues.

Inspections and Reports

The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Health conducted inspections at the private practices of 20 gynecologists and obstetricians operating in the city. During the inspections, reports were drawn up claiming that performing abortions under private practice conditions is prohibited, and statements were made indicating that the doctors would be penalized.

The Provincial Directorate of Health cited the relevant articles of the Regulation on Private Health Institutions Offering Outpatient Diagnosis and Treatment as the justification for this practice. The Turkish Medical Association, on the other hand, argued that the directorate acted irregularly by putting forward regulation provisions while ignoring superior laws and statutes.

Legal Status and Court Decisions

The Turkish Medical Association recalled that a lawsuit filed on behalf of a doctor whose private practice was previously threatened with closure on similar grounds had concluded in favor of the doctor. In its decision dated December 16, 2024, the Istanbul 12th Administrative Court stated that there is no provision in the legislation indicating that gynecologists and obstetricians cannot perform abortions in their private practices.

The court decision also emphasized that the administration failed to concretely demonstrate how patients' treatment and safety would be adversely affected if the abortion procedure were prevented. The TTB stated that Provincial Directorates of Health must act in accordance with superior legal rules such as the Constitution, laws, and statutes when conducting inspections.