ISTANBUL – In a move that has ignited fierce debate both domestically and internationally, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has framed increasing the nation’s birth rate as a matter of national survival.He recently stated it is indeed “a question of national survival” and that declining population growth represents “a greater threat to the country.” This declaration comes as turkey faces a significant drop in its fertility rate, prompting the government to launch initiatives aimed at encouraging natural childbirth and larger families.

The Demographic Decline

Erdoğan has long advocated for Turkish women to have at least three children, envisioning a young and dynamic Turkey that stands in contrast to what he perceives as an aging Europe. In the early 2000s, when Erdoğan’s Islamic-conservative AKP party came to power, the birth rate was a relatively healthy 2.4 children per woman.Though, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, that number has plummeted to approximately 1.5 children per woman, far below the replacement rate needed to maintain a stable population.

Campaign for Natural Births

In response to these declining numbers,the Turkish government has declared a “year of the family” and launched a campaign to promote natural childbirth while discouraging elective Cesarean sections.Smaller private clinics are reportedly now prohibited from offering planned,non-medically necessary C-sections. As part of the campaign, even the players of the “Sivasspor” football club displayed “a banner for natural births to a game,” signaling their support for the president’s initiative, as they apparently agree with their president that “you can then get pregnant again faster.”

Political Tensions and Public Reaction

Erdoğan’s push for higher birth rates comes at a politically sensitive time in Turkey. The ongoing detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the deposed mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition figure, has sparked widespread protests throughout the country. Some analysts suggest that the focus on birth rates is a deliberate attempt to shift public attention away from İmamoğlu’s predicament. Others see it as a genuine concern for the future of the nation.

Gökçe Gökçen, Vice Chair of the opposition CHP, İmamoğlus Party, wrote on X, men like the football players of Sivasspor should leave “their fingers off women’s bodies”. Many Turkish women see it as an interference with their privacy that the state prescribes how to give birth to them.

Medical Perspectives on Cesarean Sections

While the government’s stance has drawn criticism, some medical professionals acknowledge the potential benefits of prioritizing natural childbirth when medically appropriate. sven Kehl, head of obstetrics at the women’s clinic at the University of Munich, noted, “not to be dismissed by hand per se,” that women are generally advised to wait longer between pregnancies after a Cesarean section. “After one Caesarean If twelve, better 18 months, should be waited, after a natural birth it is only six to twelve months. ” He explained that this is because “if the cutting scar has not yet healed stable, it can tear open during the new pregnancy.”

Kehl also stated, “You need a good reason to do it differently than it is specified by nature,” explaining the advantages of natural birth are many, like how “because the amniotic fluid is pressed out of the lungs in the birth canal, the newborn can breathe better.It is also supplied with bacteria that protect it from allergies.”

In Turkey,its estimated that more than half of all births are Cesarean sections,a figure substantially higher than recommended by many international health organizations. The World Health Organization suggests that C-section rates should ideally be around 10-15% of all births, as they should only be used in necessary emergency situations. Though, Kehl emphasized, “We can count ourselves lucky that we have the caesarean section,” as in “emergency situations, he can save the life of mother and child.”

Economic Factors and Women‘s Rights

Critics argue that the declining birth rate in turkey is not solely attributable to lifestyle choices or Western influence but is also linked to economic pressures. As one critic noted, the fact that the birth rate decreased so quickly, is less due to western influence or social media, as Erdoğan recently suspected in a speech. Rather, life in Turkey has become so expensive that many can no longer afford to found a family. As the lira has given up in value since İmamoğlus, inflation will soon increase again.

Many turkish women view the government’s intervention in childbirth practices as an infringement on their personal autonomy and reproductive rights. This sentiment is fueling ongoing protests and adding to the already significant political unrest in the country.

Counterarguments and Considerations

While concerns about declining birth rates are valid, some argue that focusing solely on increasing the number of births overlooks crucial factors such as the quality of life for children and the well-being of families. Investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women could potentially lead to more sustainable population growth and a healthier society overall. Additionally, prioritizing women’s reproductive rights and access to comprehensive healthcare services is essential for ensuring informed decision-making and promoting gender equality.

FAQ: Understanding Turkey’s birth Rate Debate