Family-building for single women & same-sex couples
More and more single women and same-sex couples are seeking ways to have a child. In Greece, the legal framework offers clear possibilities in some cases, while others remain more complex or evolving.
This text gives a general picture of the options and legal issues. Because the field — especially after Law 5089/2024 on same-sex marriage — is changing, the exact details of each case must be confirmed with a physician and a specialist lawyer.
Can a single woman use assisted reproduction?
Yes. The Greek framework explicitly allows access to single (unmarried) women. They can use donor sperm for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF, or — where indicated — egg or embryo donation.
Notarized consent is required and the 54-year age limit applies (special permit from the National Authority for ages 50–54). The legal mother is the woman who carries and gives birth.
What are the options for female same-sex couples?
In a female same-sex couple, one partner can access assisted reproduction — according to reports, on the basis of the provisions for a single woman — using donor sperm. Some couples also consider “shared” (ROPA) IVF, where one provides the eggs and the other carries; its legal treatment in Greece should be confirmed with a lawyer.
Key point: according to reports, the non-biological/non-carrying partner does not automatically acquire parental status through the medical procedure alone. How the second parent–child relationship is established is a legal matter that depends on family status and is evolving.
What did Law 5089/2024 on same-sex marriage change?
Law 5089/2024 (in force since February 2024) introduced civil marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, amending the Civil Code. According to reports, it allows two persons of the same sex to be joint legal parents of a child and recognizes adoptions carried out abroad.
However, the law’s implications specifically for access to assisted-reproduction methods and for establishing parentage through them are not fully clarified in the available reporting. It is also noted that, according to sources, the framework does not yet provide full substantive equality. These points should be confirmed legally.
Does the same access apply to male same-sex couples?
No. Because pregnancy requires a carrier, having a child for single men or male same-sex couples would require surrogacy. According to reports, the 2025 amendments clarified that an inability to carry a pregnancy due to sex is not a medical indication, which excludes their access to surrogacy in Greece.
Adoption, as reported, remains an option for married same-sex couples under Law 5089/2024. As this is a recent and contested area, the possibilities should be checked legally on a case-by-case basis.
What does “legal parent” mean and why does it matter?
Legal parenthood determines critical matters: custody, inheritance rights, citizenship, insurance cover and the child’s relationship with each parent. That is why a biological or de facto relationship is not enough; legal establishment is needed.
For single women, parenthood is grounded in the pregnancy and delivery. For same-sex couples, establishing the second parent–child relationship is more complex and evolving. A specialist lawyer will explain exactly what is required in your case.
How can you prepare safely?
Start with dual counselling: medical (on the right methods and prognosis) and legal (on establishing parenthood before you begin). Ask for written information on the legal regime that applies at the time of your treatment.
Confirm that the unit holds the required licences and discuss the possibility of the child later accessing information about their origins, given the evolving donor-anonymity regime. Good preparation reduces stress and prevents legal surprises.
Summary
In Greece, single (unmarried) women have explicit access to assisted reproduction with donor sperm and/or egg/embryo donation, with the woman who carries as the legal mother. For female same-sex couples, one partner can access treatment, but establishing the second parent–child relationship is complex and evolving; Law 5089/2024 introduced marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, with the implications for MAR not fully clarified. Single men and male same-sex couples are, according to reports, excluded from surrogacy. Because the field is changing, be sure to confirm the current specifics with a physician and a specialist lawyer.
Sources: Law 3305/2005 (single-woman access); Law 3089/2002 (Civil Code — parentage); Law 5089/2024 (same-sex marriage and adoption); Law 5197/2025 (Article 46, May 2025 — surrogacy criteria); Law 4958/2022 (age limit, anonymity); National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction. Legislation changes; confirm the current specifics for your case.
⚕ Medically reviewed by Prof. Stratis Kolibianakis · Thessaloniki Medical Association Reg. No. 16340
ARTICLE 35 · LIFESTYLE & FERTILITY
