Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu defends Sivasspor's controversial banner
The "Natural is normal birth" banner carried by Sivasspor players before their match against Fenerbahçe drew backlash from women's organizations and politicians. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu responded to the criticisms.
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With AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declaring 2025 the "Year of the Family," campaigns promoting natural birth have also been extended to sporting events.
Before the match between Sivasspor and Fenerbahçe in the 32nd week of the Süper Lig, the team taking the field with a banner reading "Natural is normal birth" sparked widespread reaction on social media and among the public.
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Women's organizations and some female politicians expressed their disapproval, stating that the method of childbirth is a personal choice and that presenting this choice in a directive manner at public events is inappropriate.
Responding to these reactions, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu answered questions from journalists following a vaccination program held at the Çankaya Çayyolu Training Family Health Center.
When asked about the reactions from both women and health organizations regarding the message "Natural is normal birth" carried by Sivasspor players before the Fenerbahçe match, Minister Memişoğlu said, "It is normal. Do only men come to football matches, friends?"