Publications

According to the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Human Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights” (hereinafter, “the Law”), every woman in Armenia has the right to access abortion services. Abortion is available up to 11 weeks and 7 days of pregnancy upon the woman’s written request. From the 12th to the 22nd week of pregnancy, abortion is permitted with the woman’s consent only in cases where specific medical or social indications are present, as defined by a decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Among modern contraceptive methods, male condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal pills, injectable contraceptives, and spermicides are the most commonly used in Armenia. Other modern methods are also available, and emergency contraceptive pills can be accessed as well. With the exception of IUDs, these methods are sold in pharmacies, although hormonal pills are available only by prescription.

The 2025 Annual Report of the “Women’s Resource Center” NGO outlines the organization’s extensive work in empowering women and girls, protecting sexual and reproductive rights, and advancing feminist advocacy in Armenia. Key milestones include the development of a clinical guideline for medical abortion approved by the Ministry of Health and active participation in international advocacy at the United Nations. The report also highlights community-based initiatives, such as the Women’s March in the Kotayk region and the provision of free legal and psychological consultations to hundreds of women.

The Women’s Resource Center NGO is a feminist human rights organization. WRC’s vision is to establish the equal and self-determined status of women in Armenian society and to eliminate the oppression and restrictions imposed on women by the patriarchal system. Through its activities, WRC strives for behavioral and normative change in society by influencing state policy, socio-cultural, and legislative spheres. WRC was founded in 2003 and operates in three main thematic areas: Feminist safe space and empowerment of women and girls Sexual and reproductive health and rights Women’s rights advocacy Here is a short video about WRC’s thematic areas here. This document summarizes WRC’s activities according to the main thematic areas in 2024.

This submission addresses critical concerns, challenges, and progress related to women’s labor rights in Armenia, offering key recommendations for advancing decent work and equality in the workplace. Developed by a working group specializing in women’s labor rights advocacy, this report draws on extensive experience in advocacy and service provision for diverse groups of women and human rights organizations. It explores pressing issues, such as the absence of effective mechanisms and oversight tools to combat sexual harassment in the workplace, the persistent gender pay gap, and the lack of state response to gender-based discrimination, shortcomings within the State Inspection System. Special attention is given to the challenges faced by marginalized groups of women in accessing the labor market, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive policies and systemic change.

This report outlines and analyses the main issues, challenges, achievements, and recommendations regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Armenia. It is informed by over 20 years of research and practice by the WRC in the field, addressing key topics such as the lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education, and to family planning and abortion services, as well as prevailing gender stereotypes and their impact on SRHR.

The report was prepared in 2024.