Abortion has been fully legal in Greece since 1986, making the country one of the earlier adopters of liberal abortion laws in Southern Europe.
A Brief Legal History
The foundation for modern abortion law in Greece began to take form in the late 20th century. Partial legalization was introduced with Law 821 in 1978, allowing for abortions in specific circumstances: to protect a woman’s life or health (with no time limit), within 12 weeks for psychiatric reasons, and up to 20 weeks in cases of fetal pathology.
Women gathered at the entrance of the university. They hold banners with slogans about “vile” teasing on the streets, rape and terrorism. Florou Bros, Collections of the OTE Group Telecommunications Museum. CC BY-SA 4.0
Full legalization came in 1986 with the passage of Law 1609/1986, which permits abortion on request during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The law also includes specific exceptions: up to 19 weeks in cases of rape or incest, and up to 24 weeks in cases of fetal abnormalities. Abortions can be legally performed at any point during the pregnancy if the mother’s life is at risk or if there is a serious and irreversible threat to her physical or mental health.
Girls under the age of 18, however, must still obtain written consent from a parent or guardian.
The 1986 law set a number of regulations to ensure safety and informed consent. Abortions must be performed in a hospital or approved clinic by a gynecologist or obstetrician, with the assistance of an anesthesiologist. Prior to the procedure, the pregnant woman must receive counseling about the medical and psychological implications, and be informed of state support systems that could help her carry the pregnancy to term, if she chooses.
Deep Roots in Restriction
Despite Greece’s current progressive framework, abortion was criminalized for over 150 years. The Greek penal code of 1835, modeled on Bavarian law, criminalized abortion under Articles 303-305. Both women and third parties—such as doctors or midwives—could face up to 10 years in prison for terminating a pregnancy, regardless of gestational stage.
However, Greek medical and legal discourse in the 19th and early 20th centuries did make distinctions between the early stages of pregnancy and later-term fetuses.
Even as courts sometimes ruled harshly, there were legal contradictions: Article 106 of the penal code, for instance, stated that individuals acting to protect life should not be punished—an argument occasionally used to defend abortion even in the 19th century.
The Road to Legalization
The shift toward reproductive rights gained momentum in the 1970s alongside the broader Greek women’s movement. With birth control scarcely available and little access to family planning, it’s estimated that 300,000 illegal abortions occurred annually during that decade.
FILE PHOTO: People protest after the leak of a draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, preparing for a majority of the court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision later this year, in New York City, U.S., May 3, 2022. REUTERS/Yana Paskova/File Photo
Grassroots activism played a critical role. Women’s groups organized public demonstrations and distributed educational materials demanding access to contraception and safe abortion. This eventually led to institutional change: the Greek Family Planning Association was founded in 1976, and by 1980, and family planning clinics began to appear in major hospitals. When Greece’s National Healthcare Service was created in 1983, family planning was included as a core component of public health.
Where Things Stand Today
In practice, abortion in Greece is widely accessible, although regional differences in healthcare infrastructure can create disparities. According to data from 2007, the abortion rate was 7.2 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44.
According to Guttmacher Institute, between the years of 2015-2019 there were 346,00 abortions. However, the absence of a national abortion registry means that accurate, up-to-date statistics—particularly for sub-groups such as adolescents or immigrants—are hard to come by.
Abortion pills are accessible throughout Greece, available at hospitals, clinics, and even through online services. Women who consult with medical professionals when considering an abortion are typically prescribed the necessary medication without significant difficulty.
There is also an ongoing debate in public and political spheres. While the law is relatively liberal, societal attitudes toward abortion vary. Greece’s cultural roots in Orthodox Christianity still influence perspectives, and some communities advocate for more restrictive measures or increased support for alternatives like adoption and family assistance programs.
epa06764786 Women celebrate as they wait for the official result of the Abortion Referendum, in Dublin, Ireland, 26 May 2018. According to exit polls, Ireland has voted overwhelmingly to legalize abortion in a historic referendum on 25 May 2018. EPA/AIDAN CRAWLEY
As Greece continues to balance tradition and modernity, the issue of abortion remains a key measure of women’s rights and healthcare access. The legal framework offers broad protections, but ongoing efforts to improve sexual education, access to contraception, and healthcare equality across regions are essential for those rights to be meaningfully upheld.
In parts of Europe, abortion is still entirely prohibited. Notably, Andorra, Malta, and San Marino maintain strict bans, where both pregnant women and healthcare providers involved in abortion procedures may face legal prosecution under national law. The challenge now is ensuring that access to safe abortion is equally available to all who need it, regardless of age, location, or background.
