Turkish law penalizes women who travel abroad for artificial insemination

Artificial insemination is already illegal in Turkey. Doctors offering fertility treatment have to make it clear in their ads.

But, women have until now been able to seek sperm donors overseas without fear of prosecution.

From now on, they will face punishment of one to three years in prison for doing so. 

The new regulation was published nine days ago by the Turkish Health Ministry. It states that any clinics, doctors or patients who use, or encourage the use of, overseas sperm banks will be reported to state prosecutors and face possible criminal charges.

Clinics will be shut down for three months at first and then permanently if the violation is repeated.

The regulation was covered by article 231 of the Turkish criminal code, according to which, it is a crime to conceal the paternity of a child.