Abortion

Although pregnancy is a special experience for many women, in some cases, unwanted pregnancies may occur. Women may want to terminate a pregnancy due to birth control failure, unplanned pregnancies, or health risk situations. At this point, abortion stands out as the safest medical method.

Abortion is a legal practice in Turkey, but it is subject to certain legal regulations. Elective abortions can only be performed within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. After the 10th week, abortion can only be performed if there is a serious risk to the mother's health or if a serious anomaly affecting the baby's life is detected.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy by surgical or medical methods. Elective abortion is performed in pregnancies up to 10 weeks, while pregnancies beyond this period can be terminated by a decision of an expert committee in case of medical necessity.

Today, abortion is performed quickly, comfortably and safely thanks to technological developments. The vacuum aspiration method is one of the most modern and least risky methods, and is much more comfortable than traditional surgical abortion.

In Which Cases Is Abortion Performed?

Abortion can be performed in the following cases:

• Unwanted or unplanned pregnancies
• Pregnancy poses a risk to the mother's health
• Serious genetic or physical anomalies detected in the baby
• Cleaning of pieces remaining in the uterus after a miscarriage
• Conditions requiring medical intervention, such as ectopic pregnancy

Every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and future. At this point, abortion performed within the legal period and with the supervision of a specialist doctor is a safe method.

Until Which Week Can Abortion Be Performed?

Optional abortion can be performed legally up to the 10th week of pregnancy. In cases of medical necessity (risk to the mother's health, serious anomalies in the baby, etc.), abortion can also be performed after the 10th week with the approval of a specialist board. In cases where pieces remain in the uterus after a miscarriage, abortion can be performed regardless of the week of pregnancy. Therefore, if pregnancy termination is considered, it is important to consult a specialist doctor before exceeding the legal period.

 

Until Which Week Can Abortion Be Performed?

 

Is Abortion Legal? Is Abortion Forbidden?

In Turkey, abortion is a legal medical procedure, but it is subject to certain legal restrictions. Individuals over the age of 18 can have an abortion with their own consent up to the 10th week.

• Spousal approval is required for married women.
• Parental consent is mandatory for individuals under the age of 18.
• Legal authorities must be notified for individuals under the age of 15.

These rules have been determined to protect women's health and rights.

How is Abortion Performed?

Abortion can be performed using different methods depending on the week of pregnancy and the patient's condition:

1. Vacuum Abortion (Modern Method)

This is the most preferred method today. It is performed under local or general anesthesia. The pregnancy material in the uterus is gently removed using special vacuum devices. The procedure takes approximately 5-10 minutes. The risk of bleeding is low and the recovery period is fast.

2. Medication Abortion (Medical Abortion)

This is a method performed using special medications in the very early stages of pregnancy. However, this method is not suitable for every patient and must be performed under the supervision of a doctor.

3. Traditional Surgical Abortion (Scraping Method)

This was a widely used method in the past. Today, vacuum abortion has replaced this method because the vacuum method is a safer and less traumatic option for the patient.

What is the Post-Abortion Process Like?

• There may be mild pain and bleeding after the procedure. This usually resolves within a few days.
• Patients can be discharged on the same day.
• Sexual intercourse should be stopped for at least 2 weeks.
• Heavy physical activities should be avoided.
• Medications recommended by the doctor should be used regularly.
• Areas such as pools, saunas and the sea should be avoided.
• The patient returns to normal life on the same day.

Doctor check-ups should not be skipped and a specialist physician should be consulted in case of any suspicion of complications.

What are the Risks of Abortion?

When performed by an expert team and under hygienic conditions, abortion is an extremely safe procedure. However, abortion procedures performed in backroom clinics or by non-experts can lead to serious health problems. Having an abortion at unreliable centers can cause serious risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, uterine perforation and loss of fertility. Therefore, abortion should only be performed by an experienced gynecologist in sterile operating room conditions.

Is Abortion Procedure Recorded?

Patients' private information is kept strictly confidential. Although the abortion procedure is included in the patient file, it is not shared with third parties. Spouses or family members cannot access this information without the patient's consent. Patients' personal data and health information are protected by law.