Surrogacy in Greece

Surrogacy in Greece has become extremely popular with single women and heterosexual couples. Reasons for this are multiple but two stand out. Firstly, it is a result of disruption caused by the war in Ukraine which was a popular destination. Secondly, the recent change in Georgian law means that international intended parents will no longer be able to access surrogacy programmes.

Why is Greece such a popular fertility destination?

According to the 2020 Fertility Tourism Survey by the International Fertility Company Greece is a a major player in fertility tourism. Well established treatment providers are staffed by experienced professionals providing high quality and competitively priced treatments. Treatments are offered to single women, heterosexual couples and female couples with a maximum ceiling age of 54 for women patients.

Combing traditional tourism with fertility tourism

Greece is known for its amazing climate, history, great food and hospitality. Over 35 million tourists visit the country each year, three times its own population. Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Tourists travel there from all over the globe.

This has enabled treatment providers to promote the country as a destination for fertility tourism.  There are 65 fertility clinics in the country which are very attractive propositions for international patients. The 2020 survey suggests the numbers of patients visiting Greece for treatment is increasing. We know patients from as far away as Australia and the U.S. are regular travellers to the country.

The reasons behind the rise of fertility tourism

Fertility tourism in Greece relies on good quality treatments and affordable prices. This is provided by clinics based throughout the country and its islands. The majority of providers are based in Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete. They offer state-of-the-art facilities and technologies as well as experienced medics, scientists and nurses. This means that success rates offered by clinics are as good as anywhere in the world. The good ones are certified by internationally acclaimed organisations. This  provides assurances to innovation, safety and quality.

Domestically, all clinics in Greece have to be licensed by the Greek National Authority of Assisted Reproduction. This regulatory body audits clinics and records details of all treatments carried out. This regulatory framework, similar to other European countries gives confidence and reassurance to patients.

Another reason for Greece being a top fertility tourism destination is cost. Treatment costs are very competitive and a lot cheaper than in countries such as the U.K. and the U.S. Some clinics offer guarantee and refund packages which makes fertility treatment in Greece more accessible.

Fertility Legislation

Greece offers very liberal fertility legislation. Women patients can be aged up to 54. All procedures are available to both married and unmarried heterosexual couples, single women and women in lesbian relationships. There is however no provision for single or men in a same sex relationship.

The country allows anonymous egg and sperm donation. This means it is very popular with international patients. It is home to a number of substantial egg and sperm banks and there are large pools of available donors. This in turn means that there are no waiting lists, unlike so many countries.

Surrogacy in Greece

Recent events have contributed to surrogacy in Greece becoming very popular. Ukraine was historically one of the most popular destinations for intended parents. Understandably, this has been disrupted by the war. In Georgia, recent changes to fertility legislation mean that surrogacy programmes will not be available to international couples from 2024.

Options for intended parents considering commercial surrogacy programmes in Europe are now limited. At present, Greece is helping  those intended parents who would have previously travelled to Ukraine or Georgia.

The Greek surrogacy law provides reassurance to all parties involved in the process. Before any programme can start intended parents, the surrogate and treatment provider have to present their case in court. This ensures that all consent to the surrogacy arrangement being proposed. It allows the treatment provider to offer a medical assessment of the surrogate. It also ensures that she is fully aware of what participation entails. Once this process is completed the surrogacy treatment can proceed.

After a baby is born a court decision is then required to establish parentage. The clinic will register the baby using the intended parents’ names and a birth certificate would be issued in their name. Any order made also concludes that the surrogate mother has no legal rights to the intended parents’ baby.

The costs of surrogacy in Greece are substantially lower than in other countries. All costs must be transparent. The surrogate is reasonably compensated and receives support and counselling prior to, and throughout her journey.

More Information about surrogacy in Greece

IFC works with a number of treatment providers in Greece who offer surrogacy packages. These individuals or couples are welcomed from all over the world. Information and advice regarding legal and logistical questions is provided at no cost. IFC can also introduce treatment providers that have been assessed from a patients perspective. These providers demonstrate high levels of patient centred care. They also have the infrastructure in place to offer a safe and successful surrogacy programme.

IFC offers a bespoke, concierge service for intended parents seeking surrogacy programmes which includes support throughout the journey and accompanied clinic visits if required.

For more information, contact [email protected]