By Zhanna Avagyan
“Life with a child brings colors you never knew existed. No one’s opinion should prevent you from experiencing these feelings,” says Naira Harutyunyan, who chose to become a single mother through assisted reproduction in Armenia. Now, she’s considering having a second child.
Her story represents a growing trend in Armenia, where planned single motherhood, though still an unfamiliar concept to many, is gaining increasing acceptance.
Armenia expanded its fertility assistance program in early 2023 to include single women. Initially open to women aged 36-42, the program later broadened its age criteria. Now, single women between 28 and 42 years old who are reproductively healthy can access state-funded artificial insemination programs.
“Every person makes this decision based on their own life story. We all have our reasons for wanting to become mothers, even if we’re not in a marriage,” reflects Lilit Karapetyan, who decided to become a mother at 39 after three years of careful consideration.
Women are choosing this path for various reasons, whether they don’t have or don’t wish to have a partner. The decision, while deeply personal, is now supported by state healthcare policy.
Government support and medical infrastructure
According to Nune Pashayan from the Ministry of Health, “These are healthy individuals who cannot exercise their reproductive rights. We’re trying to help them achieve their goals.” The program has shown significant success, with three births recorded last year and 13 births in just the first nine months of this year.
Armenia has several reproductive assistance centers – seven in Yerevan and one in the Shirak region. The process involves laboratory tests, instrumental examinations, and selecting a sperm donor from an anonymous database.
Dr. Bella Hovsepyan, a reproductive specialist at Yerevan’s Fertility Center, explains, “We maintain an anonymous donor bank. While we can’t reveal photos or personal data, we can share criteria such as height, hair color, weight, eye color, preferences, and education. The donor’s general health is thoroughly verified at our facility.”
Breaking social barriers
Dr. Tatevik Hambardzumyan, Director of Yerevan’s Fertility Center, confirms that single mothers’ applications to fertility centers are continuously increasing, mirroring a global trend.
“Applications from single mothers have increased significantly since the state program’s implementation. As psychological barriers are overcome, more women can approach centers and experience the joy of motherhood,” she notes.
While this non-traditional family model often faces public scrutiny, many women report surprisingly positive experiences.
“This opportunity has certain health-related time limitations. I don’t think we need to prove anything to society. I used to worry about how my parents, relatives, neighbors would react. I work in law enforcement with many male colleagues, but I’ve always believed that everyone lives their own life, and I have this right,” says Lilit Karapetyan, who works in law enforcement.
Both Lilit and Naira acknowledge the challenges they face but emphasize that motherhood is never truly solitary.
“Yes, it’s difficult when you’re going through this journey alone as a single mother,” Naira reflects. “But the little one beside you gives you so much strength that you’re ready to overcome any difficulties.”
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