Ministry of Health issues statement regarding widely discussed banner

The fact that football players in the Super Lig took the field with a banner bearing the signature of the Ministry of Health that read "Natural is normal birth" had drawn backlash. The Ministry of Health has issued a statement regarding the "normal birth" banner that sparked reactions.

The banner, which became a topic of discussion during the Sivasspor-Fenerbahçe match, had been criticized by women and health organizations.

Some women, reacting to men carrying the banner in question and it being made an issue at a football match, commented, "Fine, gentlemen, you have a normal birth then."

The Ministry released a statement following the reactions. 

"NOT AN IMPOSITION, BUT RAISING AWARENESS"

The statement included the following remarks:

"Normal birth is a physiological process. Cesarean section, on the other hand, is a surgical method resorted to only in cases of medical necessity. In Turkey, 61 out of every 100 births are by cesarean section. The World Health Organization states that keeping this rate in the 10-15 percent range is more appropriate for both maternal and infant health. Scientific research reveals that normal birth is associated with a faster recovery process for mothers, a lower risk of infection, and fewer postpartum complications. For the baby, normal birth provides important advantages such as early and secure contact with the mother, strengthening of the immune system, and fewer respiratory problems. Unnecessary cesarean interventions can negatively affect women's fertility capacity and cause an increase in various risks in subsequent pregnancies. The Ministry of Health does not provide guidance or impose any restrictions on women's birth methods; it conducts studies aimed at creating social awareness regarding the benefits of normal birth in light of scientific data."