IVF for same-sex couples in Greece
Creating a family is a deeply personal journey, and sexual orientation should never stand in the way of receiving respectful and professional fertility care. Today, assisted reproduction offers several options for same-sex couples who wish to become parents, including treatments with donor sperm, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
For female same-sex couples considering IVF in Greece, the appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including age, ovarian reserve, reproductive health and individual family plans. A personalised fertility assessment helps determine whether IUI or IVF with donor sperm is the most suitable approach.
At Fertility Care, every patient and couple is treated with respect, discretion and understanding. Our goal is to provide clear medical information, personalised treatment planning and continuous support throughout the fertility journey.
Greece combines specialised assisted reproduction services with an established regulatory framework, making it an important destination for patients from abroad seeking fertility treatment. Understanding the available options, the treatment process and the legal considerations is an essential first step before beginning your journey to parenthood.
Fertility Treatment for Same-Sex Couples
Assisted reproduction offers female same-sex couples different pathways to parenthood, depending on their reproductive health, age and individual circumstances. For many couples, treatment involves the use of donor sperm, either through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). IUI is commonly used by female couples who require donor sperm and do not have significant fertility problems, while IVF may be recommended when there are additional fertility factors or when a different treatment approach is considered more appropriate.
Before treatment begins, a fertility assessment is usually performed to evaluate factors such as ovarian reserve, ovulation, the condition of the uterus and the general reproductive health of the woman who will undergo treatment. Based on these findings, the fertility specialist can recommend an individualised treatment plan.
The decision between IUI and IVF with donor sperm is therefore not the same for every couple. Age, medical history, previous fertility treatments and personal preferences can all influence the recommended approach.
At Fertility Care, the aim is to provide each couple with clear information about their available options and to develop a treatment plan based on their medical needs and plans for creating a family.
IVF for Female Same-Sex Couples
For female same-sex couples who wish to start a family, assisted reproduction can provide different treatment options using donor sperm. The most appropriate method depends on the reproductive health, age and medical history of the woman who will undergo treatment, as well as the couple’s individual family plans.
The two main options are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). A fertility assessment before treatment helps determine which approach is more suitable in each case.
IUI with Donor Sperm
Intrauterine insemination is often considered when the woman who will carry the pregnancy has no significant fertility problems. During IUI, carefully prepared donor sperm is introduced directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
The procedure is relatively simple and less invasive than IVF and may be performed during a natural cycle or, when appropriate, with mild ovarian stimulation. However, its suitability depends on factors such as age, ovarian function and the condition of the fallopian tubes.
IVF with Donor Sperm
IVF with donor sperm may be recommended when there are fertility factors that could reduce the chances of success with IUI or when IVF is considered the more appropriate treatment from the outset.
During an IVF cycle, the ovaries are stimulated with medication so that several eggs can mature. The eggs are then collected and fertilised in the laboratory using donor sperm. The resulting embryos are monitored during their development, and an appropriate embryo is selected for transfer into the uterus.
IVF also makes it possible, when suitable embryos are available, to cryopreserve embryos for potential future treatment. The decision to proceed with IVF is always made following an individual medical assessment and detailed discussion with the fertility specialist.
Is IVF for Same-Sex Couples Legal in Greece?
Greece has an established legal framework governing medically assisted reproduction. Under the current regulations, female same-sex couples who are married or have entered into a civil partnership may access medically assisted reproduction in Greece. Written consent from both partners is required before treatment.
For treatment purposes, however, the woman who undergoes assisted reproduction and carries the pregnancy is considered the assisted person. Under the current legal framework, the use of IVF does not in itself establish a legal parent-child relationship between the child and both female partners. Couples should therefore receive appropriate information regarding the legal consequences of treatment before proceeding.
It is also important to note that reciprocal IVF, where eggs from one female partner are fertilised and the resulting embryo is transferred to the other partner, is not currently permitted under Greek law.
What About Male Same-Sex Couples?
The legal situation is different for male same-sex couples. Under the legislation currently in force, surrogacy in Greece requires a woman seeking to have a child to demonstrate a medically documented inability to carry a pregnancy. Law 5197/2025 expressly clarified that an inability to carry a pregnancy due to sex is not considered a medical inability to gestate. Consequently, surrogacy in Greece is not available as a pathway to parenthood for male same-sex couples or single men.
Because family and assisted reproduction law can involve individual circumstances, personalised legal guidance may be appropriate before beginning treatment.
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
The fertility treatment process for female same-sex couples is personalised according to the reproductive health, age and medical history of the woman who will undergo treatment. After the initial assessment, the fertility specialist recommends the most appropriate approach, which may include IUI or IVF with donor sperm.
1. Initial Consultation
The first step is a detailed consultation to discuss the couple’s family plans, medical history and previous fertility treatment, if any. This is also an opportunity to explain the available treatment options and answer any questions about the process.
2. Fertility Assessment
The woman who will undergo treatment may have a series of examinations to evaluate her reproductive health. These can include a transvaginal ultrasound, assessment of ovarian reserve and hormonal tests when clinically indicated.
3. Donor Sperm
When donor sperm is required, the process is carried out in accordance with the applicable Greek regulations and medical standards. The fertility team provides information about the available options and the steps that need to be completed before treatment begins.
4. IUI or IVF Treatment
Depending on the results of the fertility assessment, treatment may proceed with intrauterine insemination or IVF. With IUI, prepared donor sperm is introduced into the uterus around the time of ovulation. With IVF, eggs are collected from the ovaries, fertilised with donor sperm in the laboratory and the resulting embryos are monitored before embryo transfer.
5. Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Test
In an IVF cycle, an embryo is transferred into the uterus when clinically appropriate. A pregnancy test is then performed after the recommended interval to determine whether implantation has occurred.
Throughout the process, the treatment plan can be adjusted according to the patient’s response and individual medical needs.
Why Choose Greece for Same-Sex Fertility Treatment?
Greece has become an established destination for people seeking assisted reproduction, offering access to modern fertility treatments within a regulated medical environment. For female same-sex couples considering treatment with donor sperm, Greece can provide a combination of specialist fertility care, personalised treatment planning and clear medical guidance throughout the process.
Regulated Assisted Reproduction
Medically assisted reproduction in Greece is supervised by the Greek National Authority of Medically Assisted Reproduction, which sets and monitors the scientific, legal and ethical framework for fertility services. IVF units and cryopreservation banks operate under a licensing system overseen by the Authority.
Access to Donor Treatment
Donor sperm can be used as part of fertility treatment when appropriate, allowing female same-sex couples to consider options such as IUI or IVF. The exact treatment pathway is determined according to the patient’s reproductive health and the applicable Greek regulations.
Experienced Fertility Care
Greece offers access to fertility specialists, embryology laboratories and assisted reproduction techniques that can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Treatment planning may include fertility assessment, ovarian stimulation, IUI, IVF, embryo culture and cryopreservation when medically appropriate.
A Practical Option for International Patients
For couples travelling from abroad, treatment can be organised around the different stages of the fertility cycle, with consultations and preliminary examinations planned in advance whenever possible. Clear communication before travelling can help patients understand the required tests, documentation and expected treatment schedule.
Choosing where to undergo fertility treatment is an important decision. Medical circumstances, legal considerations and individual family plans should therefore all be carefully evaluated before treatment begins.
Same-Sex Couples at Fertility Care
At Fertility Care, we believe that every patient deserves to feel respected, understood and supported throughout their journey to parenthood. Fertility treatment is a highly personal experience, and our approach is based on individualised medical care, confidentiality and open communication, regardless of sexual orientation.
Dr Panagiotis Kaliantzis and the fertility team take the time to understand each patient’s medical history, reproductive health and plans for creating a family. Following a detailed assessment, the available fertility options are explained clearly so that every decision can be made with confidence and a full understanding of the treatment process.
For female same-sex couples, treatment may include IUI or IVF with donor sperm, depending on age, fertility assessment and individual medical circumstances. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
We also welcome international patients considering fertility treatment in Greece. Where possible, consultations, preliminary examinations and treatment planning can be organised in advance to make the process of travelling for treatment as clear and practical as possible.
Our aim is to create a supportive environment in which every patient feels comfortable asking questions, discussing concerns and making informed decisions about their fertility treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can same-sex couples have IVF in Greece?
Female same-sex couples who are married or have entered into a civil partnership may access medically assisted reproduction in Greece under the current legal framework. The woman who undergoes treatment and carries the pregnancy is considered the assisted person, while written consent from both partners is required.
Can lesbian couples have IVF in Greece?
Yes. Female same-sex couples may consider fertility treatments such as IVF with donor sperm, depending on their medical circumstances and eligibility under Greek law. Before treatment, a fertility assessment is performed to determine the most appropriate approach.
Can female same-sex couples use donor sperm in Greece?
Yes. Donor sperm can be used as part of medically assisted reproduction in Greece, subject to the applicable regulations governing donated reproductive material. The fertility clinic will explain the available donor options, necessary documentation and treatment process before the cycle begins. The Hellenic Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction regulates donor reproductive material and licensed fertility services in Greece.
Is IUI available for female same-sex couples?
IUI with donor sperm may be an option for women who do not have significant fertility problems. Whether IUI is appropriate depends on factors such as age, ovarian function, ovulation and the condition of the fallopian tubes. In other cases, IVF may provide a more appropriate treatment pathway.
Do both female partners need to consent to IVF?
When two women are married or have entered into a civil partnership, the Hellenic Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction states that written consent from both partners is required for medically assisted reproduction. Couples should also be informed about the legal implications regarding parentage before treatment begins.
Can both female partners participate biologically in the IVF process?
Under the current Greek legal framework, an embryo created using the egg of one female partner cannot be transferred to the uterus of her spouse or civil partner. Therefore, reciprocal IVF, sometimes referred to as shared motherhood, is not currently available to female couples in Greece.
Can male same-sex couples use surrogacy in Greece?
Under the current legislation, surrogacy in Greece is not available as a route to parenthood for male same-sex couples or single men. The law requires a woman seeking judicial authorisation for surrogacy to demonstrate a medical inability to carry a pregnancy; the 2025 amendment clarified that inability resulting from a person’s sex does not constitute such a medical inability.
Can international same-sex couples travel to Greece for IVF?
International female same-sex couples may consider travelling to Greece for fertility treatment, but eligibility, documentation and the legal consequences of treatment should be reviewed before travelling. Laws concerning parentage and recognition of parental rights may also differ in the couple’s country of residence. For this reason, both medical and, where appropriate, independent legal advice should be obtained before treatment begins.
