Interesting claim from Minister Göktaş: 'In the 1990s, men were sterilized by the Social Security Institution'
Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş made statements about sterilization practices in the 1990s.
Quick Look
- The GNAT Planning and Budget Commission voted and accepted the 2027 budget, 2025 final account and Court of Accounts reports of the Ministry of Family and Social Services.
- Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş created controversy by stating that SSI-supported sterilization surgeries were performed in the 1990s.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The GNAT Planning and Budget Commission discussed and voted on the 2027 budget of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the 2025 final account and the Court of Accounts reports. Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş answered the questions of the MPs and made statements about sterilization practices in the 1990s.
Discussions of the 2027 budget of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the 2025 final account and the Court of Accounts reports were completed in the GNAT Planning and Budget Commission, which convened under the chairmanship of AKP Samsun Deputy Mehmet Muş. Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş answered the questions of the MPs after their evaluations.
"SURGERY WAS PERFORMED IN THE 1990'S"
Touching on population policies in his speech, Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş argued that Türkiye is aging rapidly and the decline in fertility rates has become an important problem.
During the interviews, Göktaş's words regarding sterilization practices in the 1990s also caused discussion in the commission. Özdemir Göktaş said, "Look, men were sterilized in this country by the SSI. Is it normal? In the 90s. I can show you from the headlines. This is a fact. Look, it is a situation we should be ashamed of. It is shameful... I am talking about the 1990s. Let me tell you about the newspaper headlines. I can tell you in detail about the policies carried out from the newspaper headlines here. These were not systematic, they were done with the support of the SSI."
Opposition MPs reacted to Göktaş's statement that "systematic sterilization was carried out" and asked, "So, was there a systematic sterilization operation in this country?" Upon the reactions, Minister Özdemir Göktaş said, "Look, I said it was done. Such a policy was implemented. Is it shameful to say this? What is wrong with this? I can tell you all these in detail. Now, do you know why they say it was not done? I am talking about the 90s. Surgeries were performed."
As the verbal debate continued, Commission Chairman Mehmet Muş reacted to the MPs and said, "Dear MPs, do these MPs also have academics? Please let them investigate the issue. Let's end it here then. Nobody needs to listen anyway. Nobody wants to listen to anything."
The 2027 budget, final accounts and Court of Accounts Reports of the Ministry of Family and Social Services were voted and accepted.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
There will be new investigations or clarification requests from MPs regarding the sterilization statements.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What were the scope and details of sterilization surgeries in the 1990s?
- What is the legal basis and who are responsible for these practices?
- What steps will be taken after the minister's statements?
