The Hidden Barriers to Abortion Access in Türkiye

In Türkiye, women have the right to an induced abortion within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. This procedure is even considered a free public health service. Yet, many women face significant hurdles when trying to access these services in public health facilities. This situation is not new. Over the past decade, various local reports and studies have highlighted these issues. The problem is complex. It involves more than just the availability of services. It's also about the attitudes and policies that shape how these services are provided. Clinicians and institutions often face pressure that makes them reluctant to perform or provide abortions. This pressure comes from various reproductive governance mechanisms. These mechanisms create a chilling effect, making it difficult for women to access the care they need. The socio-political landscape plays a big role in this. When discussing the accessibility of abortions or any reproductive ethics topic, it's crucial to consider the political factors at play. These factors have significant ethical implications for how reproductive services are accessed and provided. By recognizing the role of politics and governance, one can better understand the less visible ethical issues that arise from restrictive policies on legal reproductive services. This is not just about the law. It's about the practical realities women face. It's about the unseen barriers that make it hard for women to exercise their rights. It's about the need for a deeper look into how policies and attitudes affect access to reproductive healthcare. This is a call to think critically about the systems in place and how they can be improved to better serve women's needs.