Single women and assisted reproduction in Greece: what the law allows and how the process works

Since the 2021 Bioethics Act, single women have been legally entitled to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) in France. This is a major step forward. In practice, however, many women then find themselves facing a waiting list that, at the age of thirty-nine or forty, presents a different problem from the one they thought they were solving. This is where the question of seeking treatment abroad arises — rarely out of choice, often out of necessity.

What Greek law allows

Greek law imposes no marital status requirements for access to assisted reproductive technology. A single woman may therefore undertake a treatment programme involving sperm donation, subject to the legal age limit of fifty-four, at an licensed clinic.

Sperm donation follows the same principles as egg donation: anonymity, donor screening, and compensation regulated by law. Depending on the medical situation, the treatment may take the form of intrauterine insemination or IVF with sperm donation, and, if necessary, double donation.

How does the process work in practice?

1. Initial assessment. Ovarian reserve, hormonal tests, ultrasound scan, serological tests. These tests can be carried out in France and sent to the clinic.
2. Video consultation with the doctor. The doctor will propose a treatment plan: insemination if the assessment allows it, otherwise IVF. There is a significant difference in cost and requirements, so this point warrants a thorough discussion.
3. Documents and consents. Written consent, proof of identity, and a notarised document, depending on the clinic’s requirements.
4. Monitoring of stimulation. Ultrasound scans and blood tests near your home, with results sent to the clinic, which then adjusts the treatment and sets the date.
5. The stay. Two to four days for insemination or an embryo transfer; longer for IVF involving egg retrieval.
6. Afterwards. Pregnancy test, initial follow-up, then handover to your GP in France.

The questions I’m asked most often

‘Will I have to do everything on my own whilst I’m there?’

This is, by far, the question I’m asked most often, and rarely for practical reasons. Travelling alone to a foreign country for such an important appointment is difficult — not because the procedures are complicated, but because there’s no one to turn to in the waiting room. That is precisely why I accompany people who wish to be accompanied: to the clinic, the solicitor’s, or the chemist’s. Many end up coming with a friend or a relative, and that’s fine too.

‘Will the clinic judge me?’

No. Greek clinics have been welcoming women on their own for years; it’s neither an exception nor an issue. You won’t have to explain or justify your situation.

“Can I get a refund?”

The same rules apply as for couples: you’ll need to use the S2 form, subject to the conditions and limits described in the article on this topic. Please note: coverage in France is subject to age restrictions, and this may affect the health insurance provider’s decision. Check the details with your local CPAM.

“What if I meet someone later on?”

This does not affect the validity of the adoption process or the parent-child relationship, which is established at the time of birth. The legal consequences of a subsequent adoption by a partner are governed by French law: this is a question for a lawyer, not for me.

The timeline, and why it matters

You should generally allow two to four months between the initial contact and the transfer. Most of this time is taken up by putting together the application and, where applicable, the S2 assessment — not by the clinic’s availability.

If you are approaching an age limit, mention this right from the first conversation. It is almost always possible to carry out several steps in parallel rather than one after the other, and this often saves several weeks.

What I recommend preparing before writing to anyone

• A recent ovarian reserve test: this is what guides everything else.
• Your serology test results, with their dates.
• Reports on any treatment already undertaken in France, including registration with CECOS.
• Two or three possible time slots for a trip, over the course of a few months.
• An idea of your overall budget, including travel costs.

With these details, an initial in-depth discussion takes thirty minutes and provides you with a realistic timetable rather than just a leaflet.

Frequently asked questions