Starting with World Fertility Day and Father's Day, Greece is sending a resounding wake-up call on the national issue of low fertility. On June 15, 2025, Tinos hosted a landmark conference entitled "Fertility, Low Birth Rate and Family Support – A National Strategy", which brought together leading political, scientific and social figures at the Tinian Culture Foundation. At the center of the discussion was the need for coordinated national strategy that will halt the demographic collapse.
Low birth rate is not just a number – it is a national alarm
The rapid aging of the population and the continuous decline in birth rates are not just statistical data, but indications of a deep existential crisis for the countryThe latest ELSTAT data record a constantly decreasing birth rate, with last natural population increase occurred in 2010Since then, the number of deaths has exceeded the number of births by almost twice, while the birth rate has fallen by 45%. Greece is now ranked among the oldest countries in Europe.
Political awareness and strategic initiatives
Ο Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiades, made a highly charged statement, emphasizing that the low birth rate constitutes an "existential problem" for the country. As he characteristically said: "If the low birth rate is not reversed, there is no future for the welfare state, for our national economy, for the very existence of the country."
Η Deputy Minister of Health, Irini Agapidaki, presented a specific measure, the inclusion of prenatal testing in the Recovery Fund with a budget of almost 5 million euros, for the free provision of tests in remote areas, emphasizing that "we are moving forward with actions, not words."
Ο Deputy Minister of Education, Konstantinos Vlasis, focused on the need to support the new generation, so that they dare to create a family. Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Elena Rapti, emphasized reproductive health as "a matter of right, not luxury."
Fertility knowledge as a social obligation
Η President of the National Authority for Assisted Reproduction, Ismini Kriari, appealed for extensive information for citizens: "Creating a family is a choice. However, knowledge about fertility is an obligation. If we continue to ignore it, we lose the future."
Ο President of the Athens Medical Association (ISA) and the National Inter-Municipal Network of Healthy Cities (EDDYPPY), George Patoulis, proposed the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a basic tool for prevention and early self-awareness of female fertility: "The Greece of tomorrow needs births today - not tomorrow, not later."
A similar message was sent by CEO of EKAPTY, Rita Moraitaki-Pikrou, emphasizing that "career and family can coexist. All that is needed is for the state to stand by the young people."
Dr. Konstantinos Pantos: Fertility has a limit – information is the only way
Ο Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Secretary General of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, Konstantinos Pantos, presented irrefutable scientific data on the decline in women's reproductive capacity from a young age, emphasizing the importance of information, and proposing the free provision of AMH testing to women aged 30-35 and the inclusion of fertility education in the school curriculum.
Fertility doesn't wait: Information is the most powerful self-protection tool for the modern woman
Ο distinguished, expatriate Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Dr. Konstantinos Pantos, constantly emphasizes the importance of informing women about the fertile age and the biological parameters that govern it. In fact, in the last two years, she has organized many relevant information events in several areas of Greece, and has participated in many medical conferences, always emphasizing that: "Knowledge about fertility is not simply a personal choice, but a crucial tool for making life decisions, especially for women, who "have in some way been wronged by nature"", as he characteristically states.
Dr. Pantos insists that It is crucial to understand the "rules of nature" so that we can realistically and responsibly manage our reproductive planning.A central role in this process is played by the examination of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which functions as key fertility biomarkerThrough a simple blood test, AMH offers valuable information about a woman's ovarian reserve – that is, how many eggs she has available.
The scientific data is relentless: By the age of 35, a woman has already lost approximately 95% of her ovarian reserve! Knowing this fact, according to Dr. Pantos, enhances a woman’s ability to make timely decisions – such as choosing to cryopreserve her eggs. As he states: in Britain, scientists recommend that cryopreservation ideally be carried out around the age of 30, in order to ensure the best prospects for future childbearing.
Using a typical example, the doctor points out the difference between biological and external age: “A 45-year-old woman may look – and indeed be – young in appearance and in life. However, in terms of ovarian reserve, she is not young. This is a non-negotiable biological fact, which all women should be aware of.”
Essentially, Dr. Pantos is calling for a mass awakening: fertility has limits and time is not always an ally. Only through information, proper medical guidance and the utilization of scientific knowledge can women protect their reproductive future.
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Konstantinos Pantos is a Greek of the diaspora, born in Australia, with studies in Greece and abroad. He is one of the pioneers of in vitro fertilization in the country, having helped in the birth of thousands of children. His many years of experience make him a point of reference in assisted reproduction.
Institutional interventions with political depth
Ο MEP Nikos Farantouris proposed the institutionalization of AMH testing as a free fertility package in the public health system and in European financial instruments. Member of Parliament Zoe Rapti stressed that demographics "are not a statistical line, but a national issue of responsibility." The Member of Parliament for Cyclades, Katerina Monogyiou, spoke about her personal effort to change the law so that divorced women can keep their eggs.
Η Member of Parliament Milena Apostolaki highlighted the need for substantial support for women in the professional field, while the interventions of women from the fields of art, journalism and law caused particular emotion. soprano and actress Anna Tsoukala, The journalists Anthi Salagoudi and Maria Papavlachou, As well as Criminologist Ioanna Panagopoulou They shared real-life experiences, adding a human tone to the conversation.
A new national effort begins from Tinos
The conference concluded with the signing of a Joint Declaration on the treatment of low birth rate, by Medical Associations in Greece and abroad: Athens, Cyclades, Kos, Mytilene, Limnos, Kalymnos, Rome and Cyprus. The message of the declaration is clear: the battle for fertility is a battle for the future of Greece.
With political will, scientific knowledge and social mobilization, the crucial challenge of reversing demographic decline can be won. Tinos became the island of awakening! The continuation requires collective action from everyone.
