Gender selection in Greece: What you need to know

At Newlife IVF Greece, we understand that for many aspiring parents, the journey to conception can come with many questions. One common query we receive, and it's understandable, often revolves around gender selection. Is it allowed in Greece? What does the law say? This blog post aims to shed light on this topic, offering clarity and understanding.

The Greek stance: A focus on medical necessity

Greece boasts a progressive and comprehensive legal framework for Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). This framework, primarily governed by Law 3305/27/01/2005 & 4958/21/7/2022 and subsequent amendments, prioritizes the health and well-being of the future child.

When it comes to gender selection, the general rule in Greece is clear: it is prohibited for non-medical reasons. This means that choosing the sex of your baby for "family balancing" or personal preference is not permitted under Greek law. While we understand the individual considerations that can lead to such desires, the focus of assisted reproduction here is to address infertility or to prevent the transmission of serious genetic diseases, ensuring a healthy start for the next generation.

When is gender selection permitted? The exceptions

While in Greece, gender selection is strictly regulated and is not permitted for non-medical or social reasons, there is an important exception: when there is a medical indication, particularly when there’s a risk of passing on a serious genetic disease that is linked to a specific sex, gender selection is allowed under the law.

These medical indications typically involve sex-linked genetic disorders, which are usually carried on the X chromosome. Since males (XY) inherit only one X chromosome, they are more likely to be affected by these conditions, while females (XX) are often just carriers.

In such cases, selecting embryos of the unaffected sex—usually female—can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting these conditions to the child.

How is gender selection carried out?

The process used for gender selection in these medical cases is called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). Here’s how it works:

• IVF is performed to create embryos
• A few cells are carefully removed from each embryo at the blastocyst stage (typically five to six days after fertilization).
• These cells are then analyzed using advanced genetic testing methods to detect:
• The sex of the embryo
• Any specific genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities

Only embryos that are free of the targeted condition and of the desired sex (based on medical necessity) are selected for transfer to the uterus.

This entire process is carried out under the strict supervision of the National Authority of Assisted Reproduction in Greece, ensuring ethical standards are maintained at all times. Medical documentation and justification are required, and each case is thoroughly reviewed and approved before proceeding.

Why this legislation?

The Greek legislative approach to gender selection reflects a deep ethical commitment. The underlying principle is to prevent the instrumentalization of human life and uphold the inherent value of every individual, regardless of gender. By limiting gender selection to medical necessities, Greece safeguards against potential societal biases and ensures that the primary goal of assisted reproduction remains the creation of healthy families free from preventable genetic burdens.

At Newlife IVF Greece, we strictly adhere to these regulations, prioritizing the ethical and legal framework governing our practice. Our commitment is to provide compassionate, cutting-edge fertility care that aligns with the highest medical standards and legal requirements.

Have more questions? We're here to help.

Navigating the complexities of fertility treatments and their legal aspects can be daunting. At Newlife IVF Greece, we are dedicated to providing clear information and unwavering support throughout your journey. We are your trusted partner, ensuring ethical and expert care every step of the way.

If you have further questions about gender selection, Greek legislation, or any aspect of IVF, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our experienced team is ready to provide personalized guidance and answer your queries with the compassion and scientific expertise you deserve.

Contact Newlife IVF Greece today to schedule a consultation and take the next step towards realizing your dream of parenthood.