Turkish leader Erdogan rejects family planning for Muslims

ISTANBUL – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken out against birth control and family planning, saying they go against Muslim traditions.

Speaking at an educational foundation in Istanbul on Monday, Erdogan declared: “I say this openly: We will increase our descendants, we will increase out population. Family planning, birth control, no Muslim family can practice such an understanding.”

He adds that “whatever our Lord says, whatever our beloved Prophet says, we shall follow that path.”

Erdogan, a devout Muslim, often courts controversy with divisive public comments. He has previously angered women’s groups by stating that women are not equal to men and by urging women to bear at least three children. The Turkish leader has also raised eyebrows by attempting to outlaw abortion and adultery.