Surrogacy

Surrogacy offers a pathway to parenthood for individuals and couples who face challenges in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. Greece is a favorable destination for surrogacy due to its comprehensive legal framework and advanced medical facilities.

What is Surrogacy?


Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman, known as the surrogate mother, agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple, referred to as the intended parents.
There are two main types of surrogacy:

– Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate mother is also the genetic mother of the child, as her egg is used in the process.
– Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.

When is Surrogacy
necessary?


Surrogacy can be necessary for a variety of medical and personal reasons, including:

– Medical Conditions: Women who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy due to conditions such as uterine anomalies
recurrent pregnancy loss, or severe health risks.
– Age: Advanced maternal age can increase the risk of complications in pregnancy.
– Infertility: Couples who have undergone unsuccessful fertility treatments.
– LGBTQ+ Couples: Same-sex male couples who wish to have a biological child.
– Single Parents: Individuals desiring to have a child without a partner.

PGD provides peace of mind for these couples by significantly reducing the risk of passing on hereditary conditions.

Conditions for
Surrogate Mother


A surrogate mother must meet certain criteria to ensure the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby. These conditions often include:

– Age: Typically between 21 and 40 years old.
– Health: Must be in good physical and mental health, with no history of significant medical issues.
– Previous Pregnancy: Should have had at least one successful pregnancy without complications.
– Psychological Screening: Must undergo thorough psychological evaluation to ensure she is mentally prepared for surrogacy.
– Legal Consent: Must willingly enter into a surrogacy agreement and understand her rights and responsibilities.-

Stages &
Procedure

The surrogacy process involves several stages:

1.Initial Consultation /
Medical Evaluation

Intended parents meet with fertility specialists to discuss their needs and determine the best course of action.
Both the intended parents and the surrogate undergo comprehensive medical evaluations.

2.Matching

A suitable surrogate is selected
based on medical and psychological screening.

3.Legal Agreements

Contracts are drafted to outline the responsibilities and rights of all
parties involved.

4.IVF Procedure

Eggs from the intended mother or donor are fertilized with sperm from
the intended father or donor, and the resulting embryos are transferred to
the surrogate’s uterus.

5.Pregnancy and Monitoring

The surrogate’s pregnancy is closely monitored through regular medical check-ups.

6.Birth and Parental Rights

The baby is born, and legal processes are completed to establish the intended parents as the legal parents.

The Legal Framework
in Greece


Greece has a well-defined legal framework for surrogacy, making it an attractive option for intended parents.
Key advantages include:

– Legality: Both altruistic and compensated surrogacy are legal.
– Court Approval: Surrogacy agreements must be pre-approved by a Greek court, ensuring the process is legally sound.
– Parental Rights: Greek law provides clear guidelines on the transfer of parental rights to the intended parents immediately after birth.
– Citizenship: Children born through surrogacy in Greece can acquire citizenship based on the nationality of the intended parents.

Post-birth, the legal framework ensures a smooth transition of parental responsibilities. The surrogate mother relinquishes all parental rights, and the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents. This includes the issuance of a birth certificate with the intended parents’ names, safeguarding the child’s legal status and rights. Greek law supports the enforcement of these agreements, providing
peace of mind for all parties involved.
Surrogacy in Greece offers a viable and legally protected option for those seeking to build their families. With stringent medical and legal protocols, intended parents can pursue surrogacy with confidence, knowing that the welfare of the child and the surrogate mother is prioritized.