Surrogacy in Greece overtime has become a popular choice for international intended parents seeking to grow their families. The country is an attractive destination for surrogacy due to its favorable legal framework and high-quality medical services. Couples and single women alike looking to pursue surrogacy abroad will find Greece to be a good option, with well-regulated procedures and exceptional healthcare. Additionally, Greece's legal system provides strong protections for intended parents, surrogate mothers, and the child born through the process. However, Greece does not permit commercial surrogacy. The 2023 scandal, which involved an IVF clinic in Crete operating illegal commercial surrogacy arrangements, has significantly impacted the country's reputation as a surrogacy destination.
At The Surrogacy Insider, you can explore comprehensive information in detail and receive assistance with any of your key questions.
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Types of Surrogacy in Greece and Their Implications
Greek law only permits gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended parents' egg and sperm (or donor gametes). In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate would use her own egg, which creates a genetic connection between the surrogate and the child, and this is not permitted under Greek law.
Landscape for Surrogacy in Greece Surrogacy in Greece: Key Legal Insights
In Greece, surrogacy is legal and regulated under various laws, including Article 1458 of the Greek Civil Code and Articles 8, 9, and 13 of Law 3089/2002, as well as Law 3305/2005 on the "Enforcement of Medically Assisted Reproduction," amended by Law 4272/2014. Here are the key points:
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Eligibility for Intended Parents: Surrogacy is only permitted for heterosexual married couples or single women.
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Age Requirements: The intended mother must be 50 years old or younger.
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Surrogate Criteria: The surrogate must be between the ages of 25 and 45, have already given birth to at least one child, and have no more than two prior caesarean sections.
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Compensation: Only uncompensated surrogacy is allowed; however, the surrogate may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses, such as lost wages due to the pregnancy.
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Court Approval: Before any embryo transfer takes place, the surrogacy contract must be approved by the court. As long as the intended parents meet the legal criteria, approval is typically granted.
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Medical Conditions: The intended mother must prove that she is unable to carry a pregnancy.
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Legal Parenthood: Intended parents are recognized as the legal parents from conception onward, and the surrogate has no legal parental rights (Article 1464).
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Genetic Connection: The surrogate cannot have a biological link to the child she carries. Only gestational surrogacy is permitted.
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Residency Requirement: The surrogate must be a resident or temporary resident of Greece. It's believed that EU citizens meet the residency requirement.
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Legal Contract: A written legal contract is necessary to obtain court approval for recognizing parental rights in Greece. The intended parents or the surrogate must be residents (permanent or temporary) of Greece to fulfill this requirement
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Birth Certificates: The intended parents are listed as the legal parents on the child’s original birth certificate.
This framework ensures that surrogacy in Greece is carried out within a regulated environment that protects the rights of all parties involved.
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How Much Does Surrogacy in Greece Cost?
The surrogacy in Greece cost is significantly lower compared to other international surrogacy destinations, such as the United States or Canada. Intended parents can expect to pay between €70,000 and €90,000 for the entire process, which includes medical procedures, legal fees, and agency costs.
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Medical Costs: Usually running from €25,000 to €35,000, the medical costs include IVF treatments, embryo transfer, and prenatal care.
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Legal Fees: Court fees and legal counsel can run from €5,000 to €10,000 based on the intricacy of the matter.
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Agency and Consultant Fees: Agency fees offers fall between €10,000 and €15,000.
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Surrogate Compensation: Usually, compensating for reasonable expences falls between €20,000 and €30,000.
Pros and Cons of Surrogacy in Greece
Pros:
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Legal Protections: Greek laws are highly supportive of intended parents, ensuring legal parenthood from birth and minimizing the risk of custody issues.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Surrogacy in Greece is more affordable compared to countries like the US and Canada.
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High-Quality Medical Care: Greece offers excellent healthcare facilities, with experienced IVF clinics and medical professionals specializing in reproductive health. Greece has long been a popular destination for international IVF and offers a good choice of clinics and medical professionals to choose from.
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Accessibility for International Parents: Greece allows non-residents to pursue surrogacy, making it an accessible option for many intended parents around the world.
Cons:
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Eligibility Restrictions: Surrogacy is available to heterosexual married couples and single women only. The requirement for the intended mother to provide proof of medical necessity can be a barrier for some intended parents who do not meet this criterion.
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Longer Surrogacy Journey Timelines: Because court approval of the contract is required before the embryo transfer, the overall surrogacy process is extended by at least an additional three-four months.
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Legal Complexities and Restrictions: Although Greece has a solid legal framework for surrogacy, the process can still be bureaucratically complex. The requirement for court approval, along with stringent laws governing compensation and the roles of the surrogate and intended parents, can make the process feel more rigid compared to other destinations with more lenient regulations.
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Restrictions on Embryo Transport: If embryos are created in Greece, they cannot easily be transported or shipped to another country. Due to strict regulations and the need for specific permits, moving embryos outside of Greece is complicated and may not be permitted without significant legal hurdles, further limiting the flexibility for intended parents. This can be particularly challenging if intended parents decide they want to transfer embryos to another clinic or country at a later stage.
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No Commercial Surrogacy: Greece only allows uncompensated surrogacy, meaning that while intended parents can reimburse the surrogate for reasonable expenses, they cannot offer compensation beyond this. This limits the availability of surrogates and may also discourage some from considering Greece as a viable option.
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FAQ
Yes, Greece allows international intended parents (heterosexual couples and single women) to pursue surrogacy, provided they meet certain legal requirements.
Greece is not available for same sex couples as a surrogacy destination, but single women are explicitly allowed to pursue surrogacy.
The surrogacy process in Greece typically takes longer due to the court process needing to have to take place prior to the embryo transfer.
The surrogate mother has no parental rights after the birth, as Greek law recognizes the intended parents as the legal parents.
Surrogacy in Greece is more affordable, costing between €70,000 and €90,000, whereas in the US, it can cost over $150,000.
Why Choose an Independent Surrogacy Consultant for Greece?
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Personalized One-on-One Consultations: You’ll receive one-hour consultations over the course of two or three months, giving you the time and space to thoroughly understand the surrogacy process in Greece, address your specific concerns, and make informed decisions.
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Comprehensive Guidance: An independent consultant will provide detailed guidance on budget expectations, legal implications, and timelines specific to Greece, helping you avoid common pitfalls and plan your surrogacy journey with confidence.
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Tailored Agency Questions: To ensure you’re working with reputable and reliable surrogacy agencies, you’ll receive a customized list of questions based on the specific country and surrogacy laws in Greece. This ensures that your agency meets all the necessary criteria for a safe and successful journey.
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Ongoing Support: With two or three months of email/WhatsApp support, you can reach out to your consultant for any follow-up questions during the research phase. This ongoing support gives you peace of mind and answers as you navigate the complexities of surrogacy.
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Guidance Through Initial Stages: In addition to helping with research, your consultant will provide ongoing support during the initial stages of the surrogacy process, including pre-contract stages. This ensures you're fully prepared for the steps ahead and that you're meeting all legal and procedural requirements.
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