Reproductive Health Education Suggested for Teenagers in Portugal
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- 05 Feb 2025
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A recent European study has highlighted the need for reproductive health education to be included in secondary school curricula in Portugal. The findings reveal that young Portuguese individuals perceive their knowledge about reproductive health as limited, yet they express a strong interest in learning more about the subject.
Ana Galhardo, a researcher involved in the project, emphasized the importance of revising reproductive health content in schools. “It makes perfect sense to review reproductive health content and include it in secondary school curricula in Portugal,” she stated. The initiative, known as the Fertility Awareness Project, is a collaborative effort by Fertility Europe and national associations from Bulgaria, Norway, Poland, and Portugal, aimed at addressing infertility issues and the demographic decline in Europe.
The study's results, which will be presented to the European Parliament in March, provide valuable insights for public policies aimed at increasing reproductive health literacy. Galhardo argues that incorporating this topic into educational programs will not only serve as an educational measure but also empower young people to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives. This is particularly relevant in the context of growing concerns about demographic trends in Europe, especially in Portugal.
The research involved adolescents aged 15 to 18 and underscored the importance of understanding factors that influence fertility, such as age, lifestyle choices, and sexual and reproductive health. Despite acknowledging their limited initial knowledge, the teenagers demonstrated a keen interest in exploring the topic further.
The study also stresses the necessity of educating both sexes about fertility and the lifestyle factors that can impact it, including alcohol and tobacco use, drug consumption, physical activity, obesity, and sexually transmitted infections. Galhardo noted, “Including this topic in school curricula is not just an educational measure; it can also be a decisive tool for young people to manage their reproductive health with decision-making autonomy.”
Addressing Declining Birth Rates
Galhardo raised concerns about a record 5.5% decline in births in the European Union in 2023, the lowest level in the last decade according to Eurostat. She believes that educating young people about reproductive health and fertility is crucial for reversing this trend and ensuring sustainable demographic recovery in Europe.
The project has also led to the development of an educational game called FActs!, created by Fertility Europe with support from the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology. This game combines entertainment with active learning, helping young people engage with the topic of fertility in an interactive manner. Participants noted the effectiveness of digital approaches, such as educational games and online platforms, in making reproductive health education more appealing.
In Portugal, young people have praised FActs! as an “excellent learning initiative,” appreciating its competitive elements, graphic design, and the availability of a website with additional resources. Galhardo concluded that including reproductive health topics in formal education not only helps prevent issues like infertility but also reduces healthcare costs and supports families in achieving their reproductive goals.
