Birth Control and the Church in Post-Communist Poland

Abstract

After the end of Communism and the introduction of liberal-democracy in Poland, the Catholic Church pursued influence on sexual and reproductive issues, while neglecting significant socio-economic issues brought about by the transition to a market economy. While many Poles today do not agree with the Church’s uncompromising attitude on birth control, they nevertheless continue to identify as Catholic and respect the Church’s word. In light of this background, this paper makes the case that Poland’s economic and reproductive issues were linked in a way the Catholic Church did not recognize, and how recognition of this link could have accrued more influence to the Church and its political proxies in post-Communist Poland.