The introduction of a health education subject in Polish schools has sparked a wave of criticism from conservative organizations, which are sounding the alarm about alleged promotion of transition among youth. Minister Barbara Nowacka acknowledged that low attendance in classes is a challenge and declared openness to changes in the subject's format. Final decisions regarding the future of health teaching and the scope of teacher training are to be made by the end of March this year.

Dispute Over ORE Training

Social organizations warn that courses for teachers promote topics related to gender transition under the banner of health education.

Low Student Attendance

Only 30% of students are participating in the new subject, which has prompted the ministry to consider a programmatic compromise.

March Decision Deadline

Minister Barbara Nowacka has set the end of March as the final deadline for introducing potential changes to the teaching format.

The introduction of health education into the core curriculum has become the flashpoint for a deep ideological and organizational dispute. Organizations united in the Coalition for the Salvation of the Polish School organized a press conference at Foksal Press Center, during which they presented a critical assessment of actions taken by the Ministry of National Education. The main point of contention turned out to be training conducted by the Education Development Centre (ORE) titled „Gender Diversity in School”. Representatives of conservative circles, including Christian medicine and psychology, claim that the program promotes social and medical transition at the expense of substantive health knowledge. They point out that about 70 teachers participated in the training and are to implement these contents in their work with youth. Critics accuse the ministry of introducing elements of LGBT ideology under the pretext of a new teaching field, which is met with opposition from some parents and educators. The Polish debate over sex education in schools has been ongoing since the 1990s, when the subject 'upbringing for family life' was introduced as a compromise between the state and the Church. In turn, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka addressed the current situation, admitting that the current model of the subject is not enjoying the expected popularity. Data indicates that only 30 percent of eligible youth participate in the classes, which results from the fact that the subject remains non-mandatory for adult students and those whose parents have objected. The head of the ministry declared that she is ready for concessions and program modifications to increase social acceptance of the project. A key deadline has been set for the end of March 2026, when binding decisions on a potential revamp of the subject are to be made. „I am inclined to compromise; any decisions regarding health education must be made by the end of March.” — Barbara Nowacka The dispute over health education reflects a broader rift in the Polish education system, where the drive to modernize curricula clashes with a traditional model of upbringing. Experts emphasize that without reaching a consensus, this subject may remain a dead spot in the lesson plan, which would thwart plans to improve the psychophysical well-being of young Poles.

Participation in Health Education Classes: Students participating: 30, Students absent: 70

Mentioned People

  • Barbara Nowacka — Minister of National Education responsible for implementing the health education subject.
  • Grażyna Rybak — Physician from the Catholic Association of Polish Physicians, a critic of program changes.