CHP files criminal complaint with HSK against Kars judge who ruled against 'heel prick' test

CHP Deputy Chair Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz has filed a criminal complaint with the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) against the Kars family court judge who issued a ruling regarding the collection of heel prick blood samples under the "Newborn Screening Program."

Following the submission of the criminal complaint petition, Şahbaz made a statement in front of the HSK, explaining that blood taken from a newborn's heel allows for early diagnosis of certain diseases.

Stating that early diagnosis enables the initiation of necessary treatment, ensuring that children can continue their lives in a healthy manner, Şahbaz noted the following:

'IT IS CONTRARY TO THE DECISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT'

"Otherwise, there are very significant damages that lead to loss of life, shorten lifespans, and are irreversible. The Ministry of Health has such a practice. The Kars family court judge, basing the decision on the claims of individuals referred to as 'alternative medicine experts,' has issued an unscientific, unrealistic, and unlawful ruling against this ministry practice. This is also contrary to the decisions rendered by the Constitutional Court to date. It is a decision that does not observe the best interests of the child."

'THE BASIS OF OUR HEALTHY LIVING RELIES ON MEDICAL PRACTICES'

Expressing that this is a decision that will endanger children's health, Şahbaz said, "For this reason, we have filed a criminal complaint against the Kars family court judge today. Scientific data are results revealed through calculations made as a result of long-term studies. In fact, there is no such thing as 'alternative medicine'; there is medicine. The foundation of our living as healthy individuals and societies relies on medical practices. The heel prick screening is extremely important."