Access to Abortion Rights in Turkey Restricted by Public and Private Sector Barriers
Although legal in Turkey, barriers in public hospitals and high private sector costs make it difficult to access the right to abortion.
Although voluntary pregnancy termination has been legally guaranteed in Turkey for 43 years, women's access to this health service is effectively blocked due to practices in public hospitals and high costs in the private sector.
Legal Right and De Facto Barriers
Voluntary pregnancy termination in Turkey has been legally guaranteed by the Law on Population Planning dated May 24, 1983. According to the law, unless there is a medical contraindication, it can be performed at the request of women up to the 10th week of pregnancy.
Restrictions in Public Hospitals
Abortion services in public hospitals are hampered by lack of provision, delays, physician objections, shortages of personnel and equipment, and legal uncertainties. Women's organizations and medical chambers state that this situation poses a threat to women's health.
Research Results and Inequality
Research conducted by various institutions in past years has revealed that voluntary abortion services are provided in only a very small fraction of public hospitals. This situation directs women who cannot access free services in the public sector to the private sector.
Private Sector Costs and Risks
While high fees in private health institutions make access difficult, administrative procedures targeting some private clinics lead to legal debates. Women who cannot access the service may turn to unsafe methods.
Access to Birth Control Methods
Experts emphasize that the way to reduce voluntary pregnancy terminations is not through bans, but by ensuring free access to contraceptive methods and counseling services.
World Health Organization Criteria
The World Health Organization reports that failure to access safe, timely, and affordable abortion services can drive women toward unsafe methods and lead to serious complications.