Feminist Critique of Medical Interventions during Childbirth in Türkiye

Medical interventions during childbirth in Türkiye, particularly the high rates of cesarean sections and episiotomies, are increasingly questioned from a feminist perspective due to the limited agency women experience during the birth process. Since the early 2010s, the incorporation of cesarean sections into pronatalist population policies has added a political dimension to women's childbirth rights. Cesarean rates in Türkiye, at around 52% according to the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS), exceed global averages. Episiotomies, commonly performed during vaginal births, are often seen as unnecessary by advocates of women’s rights and natural birth, who argue they infringe on women's bodily autonomy. This study aims to explore how medical interventions, such as cesarean sections and episiotomies, affect women’s reproductive health rights and to discuss how women can gain greater control over their bodies during childbirth from a feminist perspective. It critically examines the high rates of cesarean sections and episiotomies in Türkiye, the necessity of these interventions, and women’s decision-making rights during childbirth. Key questions include: 1) What drives the high rates of cesarean sections and episiotomies in Türkiye? 2) How can women be empowered to control their childbirth experiences? 3) How can women-centered care and feminist medical approaches be integrated into childbirth services? Based on focus group interviews with women, doctors, and midwives, as well as a discourse analysis of national media debates on childbirth, the study reflects on how these medical interventions serve as societal control mechanisms over women’s bodies and disrupt the natural birthing process. Finally, it explores ways to promote women-centered care for healthier and safer birth experiences.