Ministry restores sex education under new name and omits contraception

The Ministry of Education and Science has restored the school subject formerly known in Macedonian as "Comprehensive Sexuality Education", but under a new title and with substantial changes to its terminology and content. The subject now appears in curricula as "Health and Health Protection" and references to contraception have been removed, a shift that has reignited debate over where teenagers will learn about reproductive health.

Experts warn social media fills the gap; underage pregnancies remain a concern

Public-health experts say young people increasingly turn to social networks for information about sexual and reproductive health, while teenage pregnancy continues to be a serious social challenge. They warn that removing explicit coverage of contraception from school teaching risks leaving adolescents without reliable, evidence-based guidance.

Education authorities say the retitled subject aims to reconcile traditional values with the needs of young people, but critics argue the changes amount to censorship of essential information. The disagreement surfaced during a broadcast on November 3, 2026 at 16:15, when the curriculum change and its wording were discussed.

Opponents of the revision argue that altering terminology and excluding contraception is likely to reduce young people's access to practical knowledge about preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Supporters respond that the new formulation places emphasis on general health and protection while avoiding language that some communities find objectionable.

To gauge public opinion, a poll accompanying the coverage asked readers directly: "Do you support teaching sex education in high schools with censored content and altered terminology? Yes/No". The question has drawn polarized responses reflecting broader societal debate over education, health policy and cultural norms.

As schools prepare to implement the updated subject, health professionals, teachers and parents say they expect continuing controversy and are calling for clear guidelines to ensure students receive accurate, age-appropriate information.

Photo: press material from the event