CHP's Nazlıaka reacts to cesarean section ban: 'Take your hands off women's bodies'

In a written statement regarding the issue, CHP Deputy Chair Aylin Nazlıaka said, "With the new regulation published in the Official Gazette, planned cesarean sections have been banned in medical centers. It has been made a requirement to have a maternity unit if a natural birth is to be performed. It was also announced that even the establishment of a maternity unit will not be permitted in centers that do not have an operating room. This decision was presented as if it were to 'improve the quality of health services.' However, the real purpose of this decision is to directly interfere with women's lives. The AKP mentality continues to establish dominance over women's bodies."

Nazlıaka continued: "First, childbearing was imposed by saying 'a woman who is not a mother is incomplete.' Attempts were made to ban abortion. That wasn't enough; the number of children to be brought into the world was dictated. That wasn't enough; the method of birth was interfered with. Now, there is interference in where the birth will take place. Women's right to make decisions about their own bodies and lives is being systematically curtailed. The government has once again entered into an effort to establish absolute dominance over women's life choices. Those who treat women like incubators under the name of the 'Year of the Family' have now imposed an ideological mandate on how this birth should take place."

'THIS IS CALLED POLITICAL VIOLENCE'

Stating that 'those who look after their own political interests are inflicting political violence on women,' Nazlıaka said, "This approach, which declares cesarean section 'unnecessary' and imposes 'natural birth,' views women only as birth machines. This attitude is an outdated and reactionary perspective. The message intended to be given to the public with 'Natural Birth' banners held by football players is also a product of this mentality. This attitude, which turns even a sports competition into propaganda by giving messages through women's bodies, is unacceptable."

'WE WILL NOT ALLOW IT'

Stating that 'only women themselves can decide when, how, where, and how many children they will give birth to. This decision is not at the discretion of a sports club, a health regulation, or a minister. We will not allow this,' Nazlıaka noted the following:

"Furthermore, this regulation will directly affect women in disadvantaged segments. Outside of large cities, access to basic health services is possible in many districts and towns thanks to medical centers. Banning planned cesarean sections in these centers will seriously hinder women's access to a safe and controlled birth process. In other words, with this decision, not only freedoms but also lives are being put at risk.

I am calling out to the government: women will not ask you whether they will give birth, and if they are going to give birth, how they will perform this birth! Put an end to these reactionary policies you have been pursuing for years by insolently using women's bodies. We make decisions about our own bodies with our own free will.

Instead of thinking about how children will come into the world, think about the future of those who are born. Be concerned with the conditions under which these children will grow up and how their futures will be shaped. A woman and her doctor decide together how a birth will take place.

Take your hands off women's bodies! Get out of people's bedrooms!"