Upholding the Biblical Value of Human Life
On February 15, 2025, the Albanian Pro-Family and Life Coalition held its 4th Family Convention in Tirana. The event attracted a variety of notable figures from Albania and the world, including representatives from the United States, the Austrian Imperial Family, and other prominent European dignitaries.
From the outset, Media 7 has been a firm supporter of the pro-life cause. Throughout the week, we promoted the event across all of our platforms, encouraging our audience to stand firm in support of Christian family values. TV 7 recorded and broadcasted the event live, while Radio 7 in Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia aired the proceedings and interviewed participants, all of whom shared their pro-life perspectives.
The convention focused on addressing some of the most pressing demographic challenges facing Albania, including declining birth rates and the significant emigration of young people. Pastor Akil Pano, founder of the Albanian Pro-Family and Life Coalition, stressed the importance of policies that prioritize family welfare. He advocated for measures such as financial incentives, housing assistance for young couples, and increased job opportunities to stem the tide of emigration.
The event also addressed the role of faith and family in rebuilding post-communist Albania. Dr. Steve Bucci from the Heritage Foundation in Washington, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and Military Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Albania between 1993 and 1995, gave an insightful speech on this subject. Dr. Bucci brought fresh stories of early 90’s that contributed to the Freedom of Religion we have today in our country. Those stories were unknown to our audience, but were such a great reminder of the many wonderful ways God works to fulfill His purposes for each and every one of us and for our nations.
Olivia Maurel, born in the United States through surrogacy, shared her personal journey and became a key voice advocating against the practice. Maurel has since campaigned for the abolition of surrogacy, arguing that it commodifies children and exploits women. She urged for alternatives such as adoption to be prioritized in family-building methods.
Albania has become a destination for surrogacy due to the lack of legal restrictions on commercial surrogacy, making the process more accessible to intended parents. Young women living in extreme poverty have been often abused and “used” as surrogate mothers without understanding the consequences for them and the society at large. Over 30 agencies freely advertise Albania as a “cheap” country to rent a womb.
The first panel of experts focused on “Surrogacy and Modern Slavery”, explained the psychological and social impact surrogacy has on the surrogate mother and the child. The lawyer shared details of this proposed law on surrogacy allowing young teenagers to became surrogate mothers without permeation from their parents.
The Fourth Family Convention was more than just an event – it was a call to action. In a world of continuous change, the Albanian family remains a stable foundation and an inspiring beacon for the future. The family, as emphasized at the convention, is the unshakable cornerstone of Albanian society.
As the official media partner of the Family Convention, we continue to stand strong for protecting family values, nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family.
Media 7 has taken a stand for LIFE since its birth in 2001. We believe that there is nothing more valuable than human life created in the image of God. Through our Pro-Life initiatives we aim to uphold the biblical value of all human life, which begins at conception, and it ends with the last natural breath.
One of our projects targets the medical personnel in the main cities of Albania. Through professional training we have been able to teach on the Sanctity of Human life and distribute over half a million brochures teaching about life in the womb.
Our curriculum, Willing to Wait is the only teaching material in the whole country teaching thousands of teenagers in public schools and local churches on the importance of Abstinence teaching them skills, building healthy and satisfying relationships without the risk of extra marital sex.
One of our projects supports victims of sex trafficking helping them to get restored and find meaning and purpose.
Jesus came to bring abundant life. If the cause of life and family is dear to your heart, partner with us by supporting our efforts to help Albanian families embrace the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.