Gynecologists Explain Erdoğan What Birth Control Means

Turkish Gynecology and Obstetric Association (TJOD) released a statement upon President Erdoğan’s words “birth control is treason”, explaining the concepts of “birth control” and “reproduction health”. 

“The president must guess that in order not to practice abortions, pregnancies must be avoided in the first place and that goes through birth control methods,” the association said. 

Some of the highlights from TJOD Chairperson Prof.Dr. Cansun Demir are as follows:

“Birth control methods are used for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

“Reproductive health, on the other hand, are methods that aim to prevent unwanted pregnancies or to help couples have children. These methods consists of techniques that help couples have children in the amount and period that they plan. 

“The history of reproductive health is very ancient. Several ancient writings have been discovered on the issue. In the course of history, people have used different methods to have children in the amount and period that they plan. 

“The president regards abortion as murder. In order not to practice abortion, birth control methods must be used. Therefore, it is hard to understand why he considers birth control measures as treason.

“These methods are applied with the consent of both partners. There are various methods. As gynecologists, we advise the use of modern techniques (spiral, pills, condom, injectables, etc) and apply them upon our patients’ request. 

“We believe that people in a democratic country like Turkey must decide on birth control methods themselves rather than politicians. 

“Therefore, we don’t accept the word treason; people must do the best they can do. We are working as gynecologists.” (ÇT/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.