Science, government and academia in "Demokritos" on the future of Assisted Reproduction
Academics, scientists, government representatives, lawyers and journalists discussed for two days the scientific developments and bioethical challenges of reproductive medicine.
In the context of World Bioethics Day, the International Conference "Assisted Reproduction: Scientific Issues and Bioethical Challenges" was held on 23 and 24 October 2026, at the Central Amphitheater "Themis Kanellopoulos" of the NCSR "Demokritos", with physical presence and online broadcast. The conference was a field of interdisciplinary dialogue on the possibilities and limits of reproductive medicine, with an emphasis on human dignity, reproductive autonomy, social justice and institutional accountability.
The conference was organized by the Greek Section of the International Chair in Bioethics (WMA Cooperative Center) of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy of the National University of Athens and the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, with institutional co-organizers: NCSR “Demokritos”, the National Committee for Bioethics and Technoethics, the European Laboratory for Bioethics, Technoethics and Law and the Biopolitics Research Center of Panteion University. The scientific and organizational responsibility was held by Evangelos Protopapadakis, Professor of Applied Philosophy and Bioethics, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy, National University of Athens and Head of the Greek Section, International Chair in Bioethics (WMA Cooperative Center).
The official opening was held by journalist Evi Fragkaki and the greetings were opened by Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis. Greetings were also delivered by Gerasimos Siassos, Rector of the National University of Athens, Elena Rapti, Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Evangelos Karkaletsis, President of the NCSR "Demokritos", Charalambos Tsekeris, President of the National Committee for Bioethics and Technoethics, Petros Drakakis, Vice-President of the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction, Georgios Steiris, President of the Department of Philosophy, National University of Athens, Kirki Kefalea, President of the Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies, National University of Athens, and Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, Head of the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Deontology of the Holy Metropolis of Lavreotiki, whose presence highlighted the theological dimension of the issue of the principle of human life.
The opening lecture was given by Obstetrician-Gynecologist Agni Pantou, while the introductory lecture was given by Fereniki Panagopoulou, Associate Professor of Panteion University. Then, Dr. Konstantinos Pantos, obstetrician-gynecologist and Secretary General of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, developed the topic “Science at the Service of Demography”, focusing on the contribution of assisted reproduction in the treatment of infertility.
The event was particularly important due to the participation of representatives of the state and local government, who discussed the demographic problem of Greece in relation to medically assisted reproduction. Among them were Makis Voridis, MP and former minister, Stavros Keletsis, MP for Evros, Nikolaos Farantouris, MEP and Professor at the University of Piraeus, Giorgos Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association, and Periklis Migdos, Mayor of Georgiou Karaiskakis Arta. Eleftheria Moraitaki-Pikrou, Deputy Governor of Attica, spoke about the place of women at the center of bioethics.
The two-day conference examined the ethical and legal status of the human embryo, the management of surplus embryos, cryopreservation of genetic material, gamete donation, surrogacy, posthumous reproduction, fertility preservation and oncofertility, the age limits of reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing and the rights of the child. Emphasis was placed on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in vitro gametogenesis and gene editing, and the challenges they pose for informed consent, equal access and the protection of personal data. The commercialization of reproduction, cross-border reproductive tourism and the need to adapt legislation were also discussed, while a special session was dedicated to the role of the Media and digital platforms in shaping social perceptions of infertility and parenthood.
Distinguished representatives of the academic and research community participated in the conference proceedings, including Nikolaos Nikolettos, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Democritus University of Thrace, Konstantinos Zikopoulos, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ioannina, Efthymios Deligeoglou, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National University of Athens, Evgenios Koumantakis Om. Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Crete, Dimitris Papatheodorou, Director of the Department of Gynecological Oncology, Agios Savvas Hospital, Mara Simopoulou, Professor of Physiology, National University of Athens, Maria Chorianopoulou, Associate Professor of Practical Philosophy and Medical Ethics, National University of Athens, Ioannis Ladas, Professor of Antiochian House of Studies (USA), and Themis Mantzavinos, President of the Hellenic Society of Medically Assisted Reproduction.
The new generation in the bioethics debate
The conference was attended by 300 high school students from Attica, many students and a large online audience, while the art exhibition “Traces of Life: From the Microscope to the Future” by the Philosophy and Art Laboratory of the 3rd General Lyceum of Glyfada was also presented. The presence of the new generation highlighted the importance of education in bioethics and the cultivation of critical thinking towards reproductive technologies.
During the two-day conference, four special round tables were held, with the participation of representatives of politics, the scientific and academic community and institutional bodies. The discussions focused on "Demographics: A Bioethical Approach", with coordinators journalist Evi Fragkaki and Konstantinos Pantos, on "Emerging technologies, emerging ethical challenges in IYA", with the participation of NCSR "Demokritos", as well as in "Current bioethical concerns in Medically Assisted Reproduction", with the participation of the National Committee on Bioethics and Technoethics. A special place in the program was occupied by the special round table dedicated to the memory of the late Professor Emeritus Myrtos Dragona-Munich, in recognition of her significant scientific and intellectual contribution to the field of philosophy and bioethics. In addition, the program included a special session of BIOMEDICAL GROUP, on the topic "From Genetic Prevention to Genetic Selection: The New Frontiers of Reproductive Medicine".
Mediterranean Declaration on Bioethics and conclusions
The proceedings concluded with the closing session of Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis and Dr. Konstantinos Pantos and the announcement of the “Mediterranean Declaration on the Bioethics of Evolution and Life”. The Declaration, in twelve points, places human dignity before any technological possibility, recognizes infertility as a matter of health and equality and not as a personal failure, and defines access, quality and information as issues of social justice.
The conference participants agreed that the progress of Medically Assisted Reproduction must be consistent with respect for human dignity and fundamental rights, which requires interdisciplinary cooperation, effective institutional supervision and continuous adaptation of the legislative framework. Reproductive innovation, as emphasized, must serve humans, guided by scientific evidence, ethical responsibility and social justice.
(left) Dr. Konstantinos Pantos, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Secretary General of the Greek Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and His Eminence Metropolitan of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki Mr. Nikolaos – (right) Konstantinos Pantos and Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis
Evi Fragkaki, Journalist, Elena Rapti, Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family
Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis
Main photo:
Konstantinos Pantos, Secretary General of EEAI, Periklis Migdos, Mayor of Georgios Karaiskakis, Arta, Makis Voridis, Lawyer, Member of Parliament, Georgios Patoulis, President of ISA, Theodoros Vourdolis, Lawyer, Evi Fragkaki, Journalist, Thanos Papageorgakis, Head of Legal Service of HYGEIA Group.
