Nowacka’s stories
Health education fits within the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, according to Barbara Nowacka, the minister of national education. She told reporters that the bishops’ conference had expressed concerns that the subject could conflict with the Basic Law.
The bishops’ conference presented its position to the ministry, arguing the plan contradicts the Constitution. They cited Articles 48 and 53, emphasising that sexual education is the domain of parents and not the state.
Parents retain the right to raise their children in line with their beliefs and to provide moral and religious education accordingly.
“Parents have the right to raise their children in accordance with their beliefs and to provide them with moral and religious education in accordance with their beliefs”, said the bishops.
In response, Nowacka asserted that health education does not conflict with the constitution and is a crucial subject for young people in Poland.
It covers mental and physical health, prevention, and the importance of research.
Nowacka explained that in family life education the topic of human sexual health had become treated as a separate, almost taboo issue, detached from general health.
Health matters in every aspect of life, and building immune resilience in young people is a basic necessity.
She stressed that shaping the core curriculum is the job of the Ministry of National Education, not the bishops.
Similarly, the ministry does not determine catechetical curricula, and the National Education Committee should not assess the core content of other subjects.
She also addressed the claim that sex education should remain a family matter rather than a state responsibility.
She warned that reframing education risks trivializing biology or physics, and she insisted that education and science are essential in the twenty first century.
The proposal envisions health education as a compulsory subject to begin in the 2025/2026 school year, replacing the family life module, with the curriculum open for consultation.
The ministry’s plan outlines age tailored content including how to identify misinformation about vaccines, the range of contraception methods, the difference between naprotechnology and in vitro, and health risks linked to sexuality.
For sexual health, students would define sexuality, learn about contraceptive methods including how they work and how to choose effectively. They would cover preventing sexually transmitted infections, distinguish between HIV and AIDS, and be directed to locations offering free and anonymous tests.
It also discusses fertility factors and ways to support reproductive health. It covers infertility, its possible causes including lifestyle factors, consequences and treatment options. It explains assisted reproduction methods, distinguishing naprotechnology from in vitro, and it clarifies terms such as miscarriage and abortion and outlines the ethical, legal, health and psychosocial aspects surrounding termination of pregnancy.
The plan also covers forms of sexual violence, including harassment, debunks myths, and provides guidance on how to respond if someone experiences or discloses sexual violence.