An adjusted law in Armenia allows for foreign single individuals to pursue surrogacy in the Caucasian country, according to announcements on Monday.
This law adjustment would ensure a stable legal framework that clearly defines the rights and obligations of all parties involved in the process.
Surrogacy in Armenia has been legal since 2002 with the passage of the Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights Law, which regulated surrogacy processes in the country. This allowed heterosexual couples and individuals, including foreigners, to undergo surrogacy in the country.
Until the recent changes, only heterosexual couples were permitted to undergo surrogacy in Armenia.
However, Armenian citizens are not allowed to serve as surrogates for foreigners, with surrogate mothers being selected from neighboring countries such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, and others, according to Israel-based surrogacy advocates, WeSurrogacy.
View this post on Instagram
These changes have led to Armenia emerging as a leading destination for Israelis to pursue surrogacy procedures.
Five advantages for Israelis
WeSurrogacy stated five advantages for Israelis pursuing surrogacy procedures in Armenia:
Firstly, the clear and regulated legal framework permits surrogacy for foreigners, unlike many countries that have recently restricted or banned procedures.
Secondly, surrogacy in Armenia is significantly cheaper than in the US, Canada, and some Latin American options.
Thirdly, its geographical proximity is logistically convenient, with an under-three-hour flight from Israel to Armenia's capital, Yerevan.
Fourthly, there is a system of advanced medical supervision, with embryo creation taking place in neighboring Georgia and medical monitoring being conducted in leading Georgian clinics until the 24th week, followed by continued care in Armenia.
And fifthly, there are legal options for single parents, including single women, who can undergo surrogacy with sperm donation, and single men under the age of 55 being able to complete the surrogacy process upon presenting completed legal documentation.
Rafael Peleg, CEO of WE Surrogacy, said, "Surrogacy is a complex process in every way, demanding emotional and financial resilience, as well as immense patience. The challenge becomes even greater for single individuals who must navigate this journey alone."
"In recent years, we have supported many singles who had to travel to distant countries, spend weeks away from home, and face intricate legal and medical procedures. As a single father to a son and daughter born through an exceptionally long, complicated, and costly surrogacy process, I am deeply moved by the new opportunity now available for singles."
"From personal experience, I know just how vital it is to be close to home throughout the process, especially in a country with advanced medical care. I have no doubt that this new option will enable many individuals to finally fulfill their dream of becoming parents."
According to Israel's Health Ministry, the demand for surrogacy in Israel has been steadily rising. Between 2020 and 2024, the demand increased by approximately 40%.