Turkish Medical Association warns LGBTQ+ crackdown risks HIV services

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has warned that a nationwide crackdown targeting LGBTQ+ organizations, known as the ‘My Family Is Safe’ investigation, could pose significant public health risks. The association stated that restrictions on civil society groups may hinder access to essential HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services.

The crackdown, which began in September, has involved legal proceedings against 162 people, nine associations, and 13 businesses across 15 provinces. Authorities have targeted several groups, including the Sexual Education, Treatment and Research Association (CETAD) and the Turkish Psychiatric Association (TPD), through court-ordered social media restrictions.

Other targeted organizations include Kaos GL, LİSTAG, SPoD, Lambdaistanbul, HEVİ LGBTİ+, Pozitif Yaşam, and Pozitif-iz. The TTB noted that these measures contradict the Health Ministry’s own HIV/AIDS Control Program for 2025-2030, which emphasizes cooperation with civil society and the reduction of discrimination to ensure effective healthcare delivery.