Surrogate Mother in Greece

What is Surrogate?

Surrogacy is a medically assisted process that allows women with serious health issues to have a child through another woman carrying the pregnancy. At Fertulity, we approach every case with respect, transparency, and scientific precision. According to the applicable Greek law, the mother is legally recognized as the one who provides the genetic material and not the gestational carrier.

Surrogacy Process & Steps

Surrogacy is a multi-step process that combines medical expertise with legal validity to safely and transparently achieve the goal: the birth of a child by parents who are unable to carry a pregnancy.

How does the surrogacy process begin?

The process starts with the creation of an embryo through in vitro fertilization, using the genetic material of the intended parents or a donor. The embryo is not implanted in the biological mother but in a third-party woman, known as the surrogate mother, who carries the child without having a genetic connection to it. The selection of the appropriate woman is done either through the family/friend circle or with the help of organized structures such as assisted reproduction centers.

Selection of the surrogate mother

The woman who will carry the pregnancy must meet specific medical and psychological criteria. Typically, she is between 21–45 years old, has a history of normal pregnancies and deliveries, no serious health problems, and a stable social and family environment. If the surrogate is married, her husband's written consent is required. The selection can be made by the couple themselves or with the mediation of the center, which also handles the legal safeguarding of the agreement.

Medical and psychological evaluations

Before the IVF treatment begins, both the intended parents and the surrogate mother undergo full medical and psychological evaluation. These include blood tests, screening for infectious diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, etc.), as well as vaccination coverage check. At the same time, the psychological assessment evaluates the stability, temperament, and capacity of the surrogate to carry a child that is not hers, while a similar evaluation is done for the future parents.

Legal procedure before starting

Before IVF begins, signing a legal contract by all parties is mandatory. The contract clearly states that the surrogate will hand over the child to the parents after birth, clarifies the responsibilities and obligations during the pregnancy, defines financial terms (compensation, expenses, payments), and foresees scenarios such as pregnancy termination, medical issues, or complications. Approval of the surrogacy procedure by the Court of First Instance is essential and precedes any medical procedure.

Preparation and embryo transfer

Once medical and legal checks are completed, the Assisted Reproduction Center synchronizes the surrogate's cycle with the embryo transfer window. The lab-created embryo is implanted in the surrogate’s uterus and pregnancy begins. From that point on, she is closely monitored by a specialized team of doctors, with regular checkups until delivery.

Ongoing support at every stage

Throughout the process, scientific and psychological support is critical and continuous. The surrogate mother is in contact with the medical and legal team, while the intended parents receive guidance for every stage until the final legal recognition of parenthood and the return home with the child.

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Surrogacy Cost

Surrogacy costs are shaped by many factors and vary per case, as it is a complex process that includes medical, legal, and psychological services. Therefore, there is no single price that applies to all cases. Instead, total expenses depend on the specifics of each case, the choice of the surrogate, the couple’s medical needs, and compensation agreements.

What does the cost usually include?

The total cost may include:

Medical tests and IVF cycle preparation

Embryo transfer and medication support

Psychological evaluation and counseling

Legal proceedings and legal fees

Compensation and fees for the surrogate mother

Transportation and accommodation expenses, if needed

Pregnancy monitoring and delivery expenses

Is surrogacy affordable?

For some couples, the cost may seem high. However, it's important to consider the multi-level support and specialized care offered at each stage. At Fertulity, we approach every case with full transparency and dignity, offering personalized information and financial guidance

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Surrogacy Requirements

Surrogacy requires strict compliance with specific medical, legal, and administrative criteria to protect all parties involved and ensure a smooth process.The age of the woman acting as the surrogate is one of the main restrictions. Specifically, the gestational carrier must be between 25 and 54 years old. For women aged 50 to 54, special approval is required from the National Authority of Medically Assisted Reproduction, reflecting the need for stricter medical control at these ages.Additionally, there is a limit on the number of previous cesarean sections. The candidate may not have undergone more than two C-sections, as this increases medical risk in a future pregnancy. The evaluation is personalized by the attending physician, who certifies the woman's ability to carry the pregnancy safely.

It is worth noting that there is no time or quantitative limit on the number of embryo transfers a surrogate may undergo. The process may be repeated, either with the same or a new court decision, offering flexibility to intended parents.Lastly, proof of residence or stay in Greece is required, either from the applicant or the surrogate mother. This can be any official document or even a solemn declaration. This requirement ensures that the process falls under Greek legal jurisdiction.Complying with the above conditions is necessary so that surrogacy is carried out with full medical safety, legal validity, and respect for human dignity.

Psychological & Ethical Dimensions

Surrogacy is a process that deeply affects the emotional well-being of both the woman carrying the pregnancy and the intended parents. For the surrogate mother, carrying a child she will not raise herself requires clear emotional boundaries, stability, and prior psychological preparation. At the same time, intended parents often experience anxiety, uncertainty, and questions about emotional bonding with the child to be born.

Having a psychologist present throughout the process is critical. Support must be systematic for both the surrogate and the couple, to strengthen resilience and prevent emotional challenges or tension. Topics such as the post-birth separation phase, pregnancy anticipation, and communication between parties are areas that require attention and expert management.

On an ethical level, surrogacy raises crucial questions: from a woman’s ability to offer her body for others to the need to distinguish altruism from commercialization. Transparency, respect for everyone’s will, and full legal protection are the pillars for maintaining ethical balance and the dignity of the process.

Surrogacy & Same-Sex Couples

Surrogacy is one of the most important options for same-sex couples who wish to have a child with a genetic link. The ability to start a family is not about sexual orientation, but about the intention, stability, and commitment to offer love and care to a child. Through surrogacy, same-sex couples gain a meaningful opportunity to become parents and create their own family.

The surrogacy experience for same-sex couples comes with unique emotional journeys. Choosing the right surrogate, communication among all parties, and the anticipation of pregnancy are aspects that require support and preparation. Having a team of professionals that respects diversity and approaches each couple with sensitivity and professionalism is essential for a smooth process.

At Fertulity, we deeply believe in every person's right to create a family with love, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We provide specialized support to same-sex couples who wish to pursue surrogacy, with absolute respect, scientific expertise, and complete confidentiality. Our goal is to walk alongside them on a life journey that begins with trust and ends with the birth of a new family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogate Motherhood and Surrogacy

How long does the surrogacy process take in total?

The duration depends on many factors, such as finding the right surrogate mother, medical testing, legal proceedings, and successful embryo transfer. Generally, the process can take 8 to 14 months. If repeated IVF attempts are needed, the duration may extend.

Can the surrogate mother retain legal rights to the child?

No. Under the current process, the mother of the child is the one who receives legal approval before embryo transfer. The surrogate mother has no legal rights or obligations toward the child after birth. This protection is strengthened by the defined legal procedures and the clear agreement of all involved.

Who covers the surrogate mother's medical expenses?

All medical costs related to pregnancy, delivery, tests, and support of the surrogate are covered by the intended parents. These expenses are part of the total agreement and tailored according to the needs and agreed services.

How often can the couple see the surrogate mother during pregnancy?

The frequency of contact is determined individually, based on the agreement between the parties. Many couples choose to stay in regular contact with the surrogate, following the progress of the pregnancy closely. Others prefer a more discreet relationship, respecting the surrogate’s privacy. In any case, expert guidance is recommended for a healthy relationship.

Can a woman become a surrogate more than once?

Yes, provided she meets the medical and psychological criteria and has not exceeded the maximum allowed number of pregnancies or cesarean deliveries. Participation in another surrogacy process is assessed by the attending physicians and requires new legal and medical approval.

Is it possible to store embryos for a future attempt?

Yes. Fertilized embryos can be frozen and stored for future use. This option gives intended parents the ability to try again if pregnancy is not achieved the first time or if they wish to have a sibling later.

Our Doctors

In an era where fertility requires knowledge, care, and substantial guidance, FertUlity is not an impersonal clinic. It is two people who look you in the eye and accompany you step by step on the journey you dream of.

Dr. Maria Oikonomou Obstetrician – Gynecologist

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Dr. Chrysostomos (Makis) Papadopoulos Obstetrician – Gynecologist, MD, PhDc, MIC I

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