According to the ministry, the amendment introduces significant changes to medically assisted reproduction. It explicitly states that the inability to conceive due to gender is no longer considered medical infertility. This means that men can no longer resort to surrogacy to have a child.

Additionally, the law stipulates that judicial approval for surrogacy will only become final once the relevant court ruling is irrevocable. This could significantly delay or even prevent legal proceedings for certain groups.

Greek courts have previously issued rulings that contradict this new restriction. The amendment appears to be a response to earlier judicial interpretations that allowed surrogacy for male couples or single men.

Another argument for the amendment is the fight against human trafficking related to surrogacy. According to the government, there has been an increase in foreign women registering as single residents in Greece to become surrogates for high fees, exceeding the legally permitted compensation limits.

Minister Floridis defended the law, emphasising its ‘deep humanitarian character.’ According to him, Greece risks becoming an international hub for the exploitation of surrogacy if the regulations are not tightened.