Surrogacy has undoubtedly proved its significance in letting all those childless couples realise their much-anticipated wish of having their own child against every odds. That said, they still need to follow a procedure that goes according to the surrogacy laws of that country.
Still, what would be your option in case a certain country doesn’t come up with any surrogacy laws or regulations? In the following sections of this blog, we will read about the surrogacy process in Albania, a country with no surrogacy regulations at this point in time.
The current situation regarding the surrogacy process in Albania
Albania is quite new, yet a rapidly growing destination for most medical tourists across the globe. Yet, given the unregulated nature of the surrogacy process in Albania, we would advise you to get expert guidance and support all along.
Moreover, Surrogacy has found mentioned in ARTICLE 261 of the family code in Albania. As per the guidelines, Surrogacy in Albania got to follow the same regulations as general adoption in the country. So, in a nutshell, we can say that the intended parents need to follow the same rules as in a standard adoption procedure.
On the other hand, the intended parents also need to take the consent of the Adoptions committee along with a certain court hearing to obtain custody of the child. So, technically, you must choose a reputed surrogacy agency in Albania with all the right legal knowledge by your side.
Is it possible for you to opt for same-sex surrogacy in Albania?
As mentioned earlier, the Surrogacy process in Albania follows the same rules as an adoption procedure.
So, even in the case of same-sex surrogacy in Albania, you got to go by the guidelines. That said, it is practically impossible for a same-sex couple to adopt a child in Albania if they are not married.
This is due to the common belief of the government authorities that quotes any such relationship ‘not in the best interests of the born child’. Besides, a couple without marriage may not be deemed fit to form a family according to the country’s legislation.
On the other hand, there is no mention of surrogacy in Albanian legislation (except the family code mentioned above). Besides, the regulations regarding Reproductive health is been framed in a general manner and don’t confirm much about procedures like sperm donation or egg donation in Albania.
Hence, it is imperative for the intended parents to connect with a trusted surrogacy professional or surrogacy clinic in Albania.
How crucial is a surrogacy agreement?
Surrogacy is been looked at from the same
So, just in case the surrogate mother denies the custody of the child to the IPs, you must have a surrogacy agreement to put through your case in court. Moreover, the surrogacy agency in Albania will help you in obtaining the birth certificate of the child that will list the name of the surrogate mother and the intended father.
Besides, if donor eggs and sperm have been used, the surrogate mother in Albania and her husband or legal partner will be deemed as the legal parents initially. So, the Intended parents again need to contact the court to obtain legal custody.
What is the best way forward then?
Besides, the agency will help you in finding the right surrogate match and even help you to get her screened and tested for any health or mental complications. Moreover, even if you need some help in filing for adoption, the agency can prove to be of some big help.
Still, the biggest concern here is to find the best ones among a list of the average ones. Well, to make it easier for you, we have listed some key points that you can look at before proceeding in the same regard.
Key traits of a good Surrogacy agency
Right knowledge: There is no replacement for good knowledge and the same holds true for your journey in relation to the surrogacy process in Albania. So, when you try to shortlist a good surrogacy clinic in Albania, check about their knowledge while asking about all your doubts and concerns.
The agency must also have the required legal panel of attorneys that are experts in ART laws. These experts can help you in finding the best solutions for all your legal matters.
Supportive: Surrogacy may come as a lengthy procedure. So, you may require timely support for random situations and circumstances. Moreover, a good surrogacy agency will help you in any given matter that may trouble your surrogacy journey at large.
Let’s say that you are flying to Albania in order to go through the critical matters of the surrogacy program. So, instead of talking to a travel agent, you can connect with your surrogacy agency that can help you with the best accommodations and related aspects, given their local connections in the same domain.
Personalized care: Every intended parent comes with their specific needs and requirements from the surrogacy program. So, only an agency with tailor-made solutions for your respective surrogacy journey may come helpful.
Hence, while checking for reviews and ratings online from previous clients, do pay attention to the same aspect on priority.
Final words
Surrogacy in Albania may not be regulated. Still, with the right guidance and approach, one can make the most out of their surrogacy journey in a beautiful European country. So, it is very crucial to have the best agency or professional by your side.
