Sivasspor's 'natural birth' banner draws backlash

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had previously drawn attention to the decline in fertility rates in Turkey and characterized the prevalence of cesarean sections as a threat.

Erdoğan had announced that various steps would be taken to "encourage natural birth." As state-supported campaigns, public service announcements, and awareness projects have gained momentum in this direction, sports clubs have also begun to support these narratives.

Most recently, a banner carried by Sivasspor players before the Fenerbahçe match sparked a major debate on social media. The phrase "Natural birth is the normal way" was criticized by women's rights advocates as "an imposition made over women's bodies."

"BIRTH CHOICE BELONGS TO THE WOMAN, NOT TO MEN"

CHP Deputy Chairman Gökçe Gökçen expressed her reaction in harsh terms in a statement on her social media account:

"As if all the problems in the country have been solved, now male football players are deciding how women should give birth. Gentlemen, if one day you are the ones giving birth, you can have a 'natural birth' however you like. Do not interfere with women's affairs or the field of science with your meddling. While you are advised to stay away from every political issue, who gave you permission to express opinions on women's bodies? Take your hands off women's bodies."

CHP Women's Branch Ankara Provincial Chair Ayça Çağlar also made a similar statement:

"Men on the field, men in the stands... A campaign is being conducted regarding women's birth choices, but there isn't a single woman in sight. The 'Natural birth is the normal way' banner is an overt intervention into our bodies. This is not a health campaign; it is a blatantly sexist imposition! Only a woman decides on the method of birth, period."

Many women's organizations, doctors, and politicians also reacted to the campaign on social media. In the posts shared, it was stated that the campaigns were one-sided and sexist, while it was emphasized that they were far from scientific. 

News Source: 12punto