Discussions regarding the 2027 budget, the 2025 final accounts, and the Court of Accounts reports for the Ministry of Family and Social Services have concluded at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Planning and Budget Committee. During the meeting chaired by AKP Samsun Deputy Mehmet Muş, Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş responded to the criticisms and questions of the deputies.
The remarks Göktaş made during her assessment of population policies and fertility rates sparked a debate in the committee. Arguing that Turkey is aging rapidly and that the decline in fertility rates has become a significant problem, Göktaş claimed that men were “sterilized by the SSI” (Social Security Institution) in the 1990s.
Minister Göktaş stated, “Look, men were sterilized by the SSI in this country. Is that normal? In the 90s. I can show you from the headlines. This is a fact. Look, this is a situation we should be ashamed of. It is shameful... I am talking about the 1990s.”
Continuing her remarks, Göktaş stated that the practice was not “systematic,” adding, “These were done with SSI support.” Opposition deputies reacted to these words, asking, “What do you mean? Was there a systematic sterilization operation in this country?”
Reiterating her claim in response to the reactions, Göktaş replied, “Look, I said it was done. Such a policy was implemented. Is it shameful to say this? What is wrong with this? I can explain these to you in all their details. I am talking about the 90s. Surgeries were performed.”
As the debate continued, Committee Chairman Mehmet Muş called on the deputies to investigate the matter. At the end of the discussions, the 2027 budget, final accounts, and Court of Accounts reports for the Ministry of Family and Social Services were voted on and approved.
News Source: 12punto
