Turkey reports decline in primary cesarean section rates

Health officials in Turkey are reporting a decline in primary cesarean section rates following the implementation of the “Natural is Normal Birth Action Plan.” During events held for Normal Birth Week (October 1–7), medical professionals highlighted efforts to encourage physiological births and reduce unnecessary surgical interventions.

In Ankara, Public Hospitals General Manager Muhammed Emin Demirkol noted that strengthening regulations and supporting hospitals has led to a first-time decrease in primary cesarean rates. Ankara Provincial Health Director Ali Niyazi Kurtcebe stated that all maternity hospitals in the region have been included in the “Mother-Friendly Hospital” program, which utilizes a system to track high-risk pregnancies from start to finish.

Prof. Dr. Özlem Moraloğlu Tekin reported that cesarean rates at certain facilities have dropped to approximately 59%. She attributed this shift to increased health literacy and higher enrollment in pregnancy schools. Similarly, in Samsun, medical experts provided training to expectant mothers, emphasizing that understanding the birthing process can reduce anxiety. Experts noted that while the ideal cesarean rate should be between 15% and 20%, current institutional rates in some areas remain around 60%.