Kürtaj: Kadının Karar Hakkı ve Yasal Boyutu

Curettage, used for centuries to terminate unwanted pregnancies, remains a widely applied diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. The reasons for choosing abortion vary according to social, medical, and individual circumstances. In Turkey, abortion is legally regulated under the Population Planning Law No. 2827, dated May 24, 1983. According to the law, pregnancy may be terminated up to the 10th week upon the woman’s request, provided there is no medical risk. Beyond the 10th week, abortion is permitted only if the mother's life is at risk or if the fetus has serious health problems, and requires approval from two specialist physicians. In emergencies, authorized doctors may immediately perform the procedure. Consent is essential. For minors, parental consent is required; for individuals under guardianship, both the guardian’s and a judge’s approval are needed. Married women must also obtain their spouse’s consent. Globally, around 73 million pregnancies are voluntarily terminated each year, with 61% of unwanted pregnancies ending in abortion. When access to safe, timely, affordable, and accessible abortion services is restricted, many resort to unsafe procedures, increasing health risks. In underdeveloped regions, an estimated 200 women die per 100,000 unsafe abortions. This review aims to examine abortion through legal, social, and ethical lenses, focusing on its implications for women’s bodily autonomy. It also highlights the crucial role of healthcare professionals—especially nurses and midwives—in providing counseling, supporting informed decision-making, and ensuring safe reproductive healthcare.