Too radical or too unambitious? New Polish sex-ed criticized from left and right

Starting this September, Polish schools will introduce a new subject: health education. The class aims to cover topics such as physical and mental health, digital well-being, nutrition - and, for the first time, elements of sex education. 

Despite its broad scope on general health, the new subject has provoked strong reactions. The Polish Catholic Church has openly urged parents not to let their children attend. In an official statement, the Episcopate wrote: 

Dear Parents! (...) Remember that you are responsible before God for their proper upbringing. You must not agree to the systemic depravity of your children under the pretext of so-called health education. Out of concern for upbringing and salvation, we appeal to you not to consent to your children's participation in these demoralizing classes. (X, @Episkopatnews, 22/08/2025)

Close but not enough

Julia Dulas, vice chair of the youth wing of the left-wing Razem party, rejects the Episcopate's criticism: 

“Basically, all it takes to disprove their claims would be to read through the act. They’re posting on social media that teachers will make your children homosexual or transgender. And people are liking and sharing these things.” 

According to her, the new subject is a step in the right direction, albeit insufficient in moving Poland in a direction to better the reproductive rights of women – a goal progressive Polish groups have worked towards obtaining:

"Being realistic? I don't think this subject will help improve women's rights. Only a new government will,” she says.

Too important to skip

Despite the criticism, other voices stress the importance of bettering health education. Michal Krzystanek, a child and youth psychiatrist, underlines the need: 

“It is important that students understand the biological foundations of human development, especially puberty and hygiene. Learning to accept one’s own body is crucial, particularly for girls growing up in the age of social media.” 

For him, the real weakness is that the subject hasn’t been made mandatory due to the harsh criticism from conservatives: 

“Ideally, children would receive this knowledge at home, but not all parents are able to discuss these topics. A compulsory subject at school would give all children equal opportunities to gain reliable knowledge, regardless of their background.” 

Caught between accusations of “systemic depravity” from the Church and disappointment from progressives who want more ambition, Poland’s new health education subject is another example of the gravity of the Polish culture war.