EGG DONATION IN ARMENIA

Egg donation in Armenia is legally permitted and regulated under the “Law on Human Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights” enacted in 2002. This legislation provides a structured framework for assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including egg donation, ensuring the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Framework

• Permissibility: Egg donation is legally allowed in Armenia. The law recognizes the use of donor eggs in assisted reproduction, provided that the procedures comply with established medical and legal standards.
• Anonymity: While the law permits egg donation, it does not mandate donor anonymity. In practice, both anonymous and known (non-anonymous) egg donations occur, depending on the agreements between donors and intended parents.
• Contracts: Legal agreements between donors and intended parents are essential. These contracts outline the terms of the donation, including consent, compensation, and the relinquishment of any parental rights by the donor. Contracts must be notarized to be legally binding.

🧬 Donor Eligibility and Process

• Age and Health Requirements: Egg donors are typically women aged between 18 and 30 years. They must undergo comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations to ensure suitability for donation.
• Screening Procedures: Donors are subjected to various tests, including blood tests, genetic screenings, and assessments for infectious diseases, to ensure the safety and health of both the donor and potential offspring.
• Compensation: Donors receive compensation for their time and effort. The amount and terms are specified in the donation contract. While the law allows for compensation, it emphasizes that the donation should not be commercialized.

🌐 International Considerations

• Foreign Intended Parents: Armenia permits foreign individuals and couples to access egg donation services. However, it’s crucial for international intended parents to consult with legal experts to navigate the legal requirements and ensure compliance with both Armenian laws and those of their home country.

In summary, Armenia offers a legally structured and ethically considerate environment for egg donation, accommodating both domestic and international intended parents. Engaging with reputable clinics and legal professionals is essential to navigate the process successfully.

Surrogacy in Armenia has been legally recognized since 2002 under the “Law on Human Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights.” The legal framework has evolved to accommodate a broader range of intended parents, including single individuals, while ensuring clear definitions of rights and responsibilities for all parties involved.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Framework

• Permissibility: Surrogacy is legal in Armenia, focusing exclusively on gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate provides her own eggs, has been prohibited since 2012 to prevent potential parental claims from the surrogate.
• Parental Rights: Intended parents are automatically recognized as the legal parents upon the child’s birth. The surrogate has no parental rights or responsibilities, as stipulated in the law.
• Confidentiality: Information regarding assisted reproductive technologies used is confidential and can only be disclosed by court order.

🧬 Eligibility Criteria

• Intended Parents:
  • Married heterosexual couples: Must provide a marriage certificate and a medical letter confirming infertility.
  • Single women: Must use their own eggs and provide documentation confirming single status and infertility.
  • Single men: Must provide proof of single status.
• Surrogate Mothers:
  • Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
  • Parental Status: Must have given birth to at least one healthy child.
  • Health: Must undergo comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations.
  • Marital Status: If married, the husband’s written consent is required.

🌐 International Considerations

• Foreign Intended Parents: Armenia permits surrogacy for foreign individuals, including single men and women. However, Armenian citizens are not allowed to serve as surrogates for foreigners; surrogate mothers are often sourced from neighboring countries such as Georgia and Kazakhstan.
• Citizenship: Children born to foreign intended parents do not automatically acquire Armenian citizenship. Parents must apply for citizenship in their home country.

📄 Legal Procedures

• Contracts: Both the surrogacy agreement and any donation contracts must be notarized.
• Birth Registration: A birth certificate is issued with the intended parents listed, and it can be apostilled under the Hague Convention for international recognition

Armenia offers a structured and legally secure environment for surrogacy, accommodating both domestic and international intended parents. Engaging with reputable clinics and legal professionals is essential to navigate the process successfully.