Are you single but dream of starting a family? Single parent surrogacy can be one way you can fulfill your dreams of parenthood. In Armenia, surrogacy has been legally regulated since 2002 under the Law on Human Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights. 

Until recently, this path to parenthood was left for mainly married heterosexual couples. But in recent legislation updates over the past couple of years, single women and men, regardless of nationality, have been allowed to become intended parents through surrogacy in Armenia.

So, for something you might have thought would continue to be just out of reach for you, just become possible with international surrogacy in Armenia.

What Is the System Like in Armenia?

When it comes to surrogacy in Armenia, there are a few things you should know prior to taking those first steps. 

• The intended parent has to provide a genetic link to the child. This means they must use their own egg or sperm.
• The surrogate mother doesn’t have any parental rights after the child’s birth.
• The intended parent’s name goes directly on the birth certificate
• The process is clearly regulated. You have to have a signed and notarized contract, and certain legal protections must be in place.

It Comes to More Than Just Rights

Single parenthood is a courageous choice to make. And choosing to fulfill this with surrogacy certainly does add layers to the overall logistics, emotions, and resilience required during the process. 

However, you should know that the process in Armenia does offer something a bit more distinct. You don’t have to feel as though you are simply trying to find a workaround to make your parenthood dreams possible. Instead, you can realize your dreams of a family on your own terms.

• Clarity and Recognition: From the first day of your journey, you will know the legal status of the baby is secure, which definitely removes one of the biggest worries you could have
• More Affordable: Costs are still significant, but in Armenia, you will find a more competitive and affordable option compared to what you would have access to in North America, for example.
• Renewed Sense of Hope: Yes, you’re single, but you now have options.

What to Expect on the Surrogacy Journey

When we say it’s a journey, we mean it in every sense of the word. It is going to take a good amount of planning, patience, and advocacy. Keeping this in mind, here are some considerations for you as a single intended parent:

• Document Intent and Do the Work: You need to get in touch with agencies and clinics that are experienced in international surrogacy arrangements. They should also have a good understanding of Armenia’s laws and logistics, so they can walk you through the process when it comes to travel, birth certificate processing, and your home country’s recognition of your new child.
• Travel and Timelines: There are travel requirements for any international surrogacy process, and there are also medical timelines you will need to follow. Clinics in Armenia expect the intended parent to visit and be engaged throughout the process.
• Emotional Preparation: You may have the legal framework in place, but going through the single parent surrogacy journey requires a support system of friends, family, mentors, community, or counseling.
• Post-Birth Paperwork: The child might not automatically receive Armenian citizenship, so you need to plan on how you will secure travel documents, your home country’s citizenship process for the baby, and recognition of your child-parent relationship after you get back home.

Why Does All of This Feel Empowering?

For so long, many single people felt like they couldn’t go through with the process alone and would make excuses for themselves. With the positive shift in Armenian law, you can now see that your dreams are valid, you matter, and this can all be done legally. 

When you step into parenthood as a single person, you’re doing more than just bringing that new life into the world. You’re bringing your story, resilience, and values to the table as well. Choosing surrogacy in Armenia isn’t the setting for a second-best scenario. It’s you choosing with intention.

The Steps Forward as a Single Parent Looking Into Surrogacy

With all that being said, here are some of the steps to follow for single parent surrogacy Armenia. 

• Research clinics and agencies that have experience in Armenia
• Speak with legal professionals in your home country and those familiar with Armenian law to see how parentage and citizenship would work
• Budget for the Armenia surrogacy agency and medical costs, as well as travel, accommodations, and potential unforeseen costs down the line
• Build up your support system now to help ensure a smoother journey

Single parent surrogacy in Armenia is possible and can help bring your dreams of becoming a parent to light.