In April 2025, Greece introduced significant changes to its surrogacy laws, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to assisted reproduction. The new regulations particularly affect single men and male same-sex couples, introducing restrictions that may have lasting implications on their ability to become parents through surrogacy.
As with any major legal update, these changes have sparked discussions, with advocates on both sides of the debate weighing in on the fairness, ethics, and implications for intended parents. Here’s an overview of what’s changing and what it means for those considering surrogacy in Greece.
One of the most significant changes is the explicit prohibition for single men and male same-sex couples from pursuing surrogacy in Greece. Under the new legislation, only heterosexual couples, where one partner is medically infertile, are permitted to use surrogacy as a method of building their family.
This shift represents a substantial departure from Greece’s previous legal stance, which, in practice, allowed male couples and single men to access surrogacy under certain conditions. Now, with this restriction in place, the door to surrogacy is closed for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Another key change is the introduction of a legal residency requirement for both the intended parents and the gestational carrier. The law now mandates that both the intended parent and the surrogate mother must be legal residents of Greece in order to receive court approval for a surrogacy arrangement.
This new condition could significantly limit the options available to international intended parents, especially those who had previously relied on Greece as a more accessible destination for surrogacy arrangements. It’s important to note that this requirement could delay the process for many families who are not residents of Greece but were considering the country as a surrogacy destination.
The new laws also offer a more narrowly defined interpretation of “medical infertility.” Specifically, gender is no longer considered a factor when determining eligibility for surrogacy. This change is significant because it excludes transgender individuals and others who may have faced barriers under the broader interpretation of infertility, potentially complicating the process for those seeking reproductive assistance.
Another consequence of the new regulations is an increase in procedural steps. Judicial approval for surrogacy arrangements will now only be final once a court ruling is irrevocable. This extended process could result in delays, which may be frustrating for intended parents eager to move forward with their journey.
The Greek government has explained that these changes are largely in response to prior judicial interpretations that allowed surrogacy arrangements for male couples and single men. In addition, concerns about potential exploitation and human trafficking related to surrogacy have been cited as part of the rationale behind the new law.
While these concerns are not unique to Greece, they have raised the stakes for future surrogacy arrangements in the country. Many advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and international organisations have expressed their disappointment, arguing that these laws disproportionately affect the very individuals who are often in need of such reproductive services.
The impact of these changes will undoubtedly be felt by individuals and couples who have turned to Greece in the past for surrogacy. Greece has been seen as an accessible and affordable destination for international surrogacy. However, with these new restrictions, many families may need to reconsider their options or explore alternative countries with more inclusive surrogacy laws.
These changes have sparked debate within the LGBTQ+ advocacy community, with many calling for greater inclusivity and protection for individuals seeking to grow their families. As the situation continues to evolve, international surrogacy communities are closely watching the impact of these new regulations and assessing the broader implications for reproductive rights.
The new surrogacy laws in Greece are a step toward addressing concerns about exploitation and human trafficking, they also limit opportunities for many intended parents, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The global surrogacy landscape continues to shift, and for those looking into surrogacy options, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about changing laws and regulations.
As these changes unfold, The Surrogacy Father remains committed to providing clear, impartial, and up-to-date advice to help intended parents navigate their surrogacy journey, wherever that may take them. If you’re considering surrogacy as a path to parenthood, it’s essential to understand the legal and procedural landscape of your chosen destination—and how these laws could impact your options moving forward.
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