Ministry of Health appeals Kars Family Court decision: 'Heel prick test' controversy

In Kars, authorities sought to collect a 'heel prick' blood sample from a baby girl born to a couple on 19.07.2024.

However, despite all efforts to persuade them, the family did not allow blood to be drawn from their baby's heel. 

The couple, who did not want a heel prick test performed on their baby, took the matter to court. Upon evaluating the application, the judge at the Kars Family Court rejected the Provincial Health Directorate's request for the 'heel prick test.'

The presiding judge expressed the opinion that the mother and father have the freedom to refuse the heel prick test.

MATTER TAKEN TO COURT

Following this, officials from the Kars Provincial Health Directorate took the matter to court. In their application to the relevant court, the Health Directorate emphasized the importance of collecting heel prick blood samples to prevent potential intellectual disability and brain damage, pointing out the need for the child's protection.

STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Following these developments, the Ministry of Health issued a statement on the matter.

In a written statement published on the Ministry's website, it was emphasized that the decision in question was a first-instance court ruling and that the appeal process had been initiated.

Stating that the Newborn Screening Program will continue as before, the statement included the following remarks:

"The decision rendered by the Kars Family Court of the Republic of Turkey on 20/08/2024 regarding the collection of heel prick blood samples to diagnose diseases in our children early and initiate their treatment within the scope of the Newborn Screening Program is a first-instance court decision and does not constitute a final judgment. Since we consider the aforementioned decision, which does not carry the nature of a final judgment, to be erroneous, the appeal process against this decision has been urgently initiated by our Ministry.

As we have full faith in the decision that the law will reach based on justice and truth, the Newborn Screening Program will continue in the same manner until the judicial process is concluded."

News Source: AA