- Elective abortion is legal in Turkey until the end of the 10th week of pregnancy.
- Every visit starts with an examination and ultrasound; the procedure uses vacuum aspiration.
- The vacuum aspiration itself usually takes 5–10 minutes.
- Taksim is easy to reach by the M2 metro, the F1 funicular, the Tünel and ferries.
Why choose a clinic near you?
An abortion is a short procedure, but it involves an examination and ultrasound beforehand and some rest afterwards. A clinic close to where you live, work or stay makes these steps easier and your appointment day calmer.
Taksim is one of Istanbul's busiest centres, and that busyness also brings privacy: visiting a polyclinic in Beyoğlu blends into the normal flow of the day.
The process at Light Clinic, step by step
- Consultation. We answer your questions and explain the legal time limit and consent requirements. We make the process and the cost clear from the start.
- Examination and ultrasound. We confirm that the pregnancy is inside the womb, how far along it is and how it is developing. Conditions needing a different approach, such as ectopic pregnancy, are identified at this stage.
- Preparation. Your health history, medicines and blood group are reviewed and your written consent is taken.
- Procedure. Performed by vacuum aspiration once pain relief is in place. Sharp curettage (the old scraping method) is not used.
- Rest and going home. After a short rest you go home with written aftercare instructions.
If the examination shows no medical reason to wait and the legal requirements are met, the procedure can often be arranged quickly. Timing is always agreed together after the doctor's assessment.
How to get to Taksim
Choose where you are coming from to see the most practical public transport route to Taksim Square. Times are approximate and include changes and walking.
Our full address and door-to-door directions are shared with you when your appointment is booked.
Nearby neighbourhoods
Being in central Beyoğlu keeps journeys short from the surrounding areas:
| Neighbourhood | Easiest connection |
|---|---|
| Cihangir, Gümüşsuyu, Talimhane | Walking distance |
| Galata, Karaköy, Şişhane | Tünel (F2), M2 at Şişhane, or a walk along İstiklal Avenue |
| Tophane, Kabataş, Fındıklı | T1 tram + F1 Kabataş–Taksim funicular |
| Harbiye, Nişantaşı, Osmanbey, Şişli | M2 metro or along Cumhuriyet Avenue |
| Kurtuluş, Feriköy, Dolapdere, Tarlabaşı | A short bus or taxi ride |
| Beşiktaş, Ortaköy | To Kabataş, then the F1 funicular |
| Kadıköy, Üsküdar | Ferry + Tünel, or Marmaray + M2 |
| Sultanahmet (old city hotels) | T1 tram to Kabataş + F1 funicular |
Privacy: who knows what
Your personal and health information is special-category data under Turkish data protection law (KVKK, Law No. 6698) and is kept confidential. No one, including family, employer, school or embassy, is given any information without your consent.
Legal limit and cost
Elective abortion is legal until the end of the 10th week. Weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, and the exact stage is confirmed by ultrasound. See our legal limit and consent guide for details.
The cost depends on the stage of pregnancy, the type of anaesthesia and any tests needed. We explain these factors on our cost page and always share the total before the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the clinic from Taksim Square?
The clinic is in Beyoğlu, close to Taksim. Our full address and door-to-door directions are shared with you when your appointment is booked.
Can the examination and procedure be on the same day?
If the examination and ultrasound show no medical reason to wait and the legal requirements (time limit, consent) are met, the procedure can often be arranged quickly. Exact timing is agreed after the doctor's assessment.
I am visiting Istanbul. Is there anything special I should know?
Bring your passport. Plan to stay in the city for at least a day afterwards, avoid flying on the same day if you had sedation, and keep our contact details in case you have questions after you return home.
Do I need someone with me?
If you have sedation, yes: you should not travel home alone or drive for 24 hours. With local anaesthetic only, a companion is not required but is still recommended.
Sources
- World Health Organization. Abortion care guideline. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
- Law No. 2827 on Population Planning (Turkey, 1983), Arts. 5–6.
- Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK), Arts. 6 and 10–11.
- Patient Rights Regulation (Turkey, 1998), provisions on privacy and confidentiality.