The Galata Bridge in Istanbul is a popular wedding photo spot, yet Turkey, with over 87 million projected for the 2025 census, faces a continuous decline in its birth rate. Official data shows that the fertility rate was 2.38 in 2001, but is expected to drop to 1.48 by 2025, lower than that of the U.S. and U.K. President Erdogan perceives this as a 'threat more serious than war' and has decided to take action.

After declaring 2025 as the 'Year of the Family,' Erdogan recently announced that 2026 would mark the beginning of a 'Decade of Family.' This includes offering interest-free loans to newlywed couples and a monthly allowance of 5,000 lira (around 3,800 New Taiwan dollars) for women giving birth to a third child. Furthermore, he blames the declining birth rate on women and the LGBTQ+ community, accusing them of undermining family structure.

However, economic factors such as inflation and unemployment may be critical in women’s reluctance to bear children. According to official figures, Turkey's unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2025 is expected to reach 8.2%, with youth unemployment at 15%. In contrast, the Turkish Revolutionary Workers Union (DISK) has reported the unemployment rate to be as high as 28.5%, with youth unemployment soaring to 37.5%. A 23-year-old student stated, 'Given the crises we are facing, having children feels like a tremendous responsibility.'

Over the past year, high inflation has also resulted in a 70% increase in educational expenses, exacerbating family burdens. While the Turkish government calls on women to have three or more children, it has also targeted pregnant women by banning private hospitals from performing cesarean sections without a specific medical reason. Turkey’s obstetrician Kucuk acknowledged that the cesarean rate is excessively high, with 60% of mothers previously opting for cesareans, and as high as 78% in private hospitals, far exceeding the WHO-recommended rate of 10%-15%. This procedure, which takes roughly half an hour, is seen as much more efficient compared to the prolonged natural childbirth that can take up to half a day.

Psychologist Karabekir stated, 'I wouldn’t say it’s normal or abnormal because it’s too ridiculous; cesarean section is not abnormal, it’s just a method.' The Ministry of Health has set a target for cesarean births not to exceed 20%. However, with the rising awareness among Turkish women, the government faces criticism for treating them as 'reproductive tools.' Feminist advocates argue that instead of intervening in women's reproductive freedoms, the government should first address severe domestic violence issues to improve women's well-being.