Thursday, August 20, 2026

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German MP quits after surrogacy backlash

German conservative politician Jens Spahn has resigned as parliamentary leader of the governing CDU/CSU bloc after facing criticism over his decision to have a child through a surrogate mother in the United States.

Spahn and his husband, Daniel Funke, recently welcomed their son, Georg, prompting accusations of hypocrisy because Spahn had previously spoken against surrogacy and his Christian Democratic Union continues to oppose legalising the practice in Germany.

Critics pointed to comments Spahn made in 2015 expressing discomfort with what he described as “rented wombs,” while the CDU reaffirmed its opposition to surrogacy earlier this year, citing ethical and legal concerns.



Pressure mounted from within his own party and from opposition figures, including Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel, who argued he had undermined laws he supported. Announcing his resignation, Spahn said becoming a father was incompatible with his leadership role. Although surrogacy remains illegal in Germany, commissioning the procedure overseas is not a criminal offence for intended parents.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. This is the sort of person directing the European policies. It is no wonder the rest of the world (excluding the 5 eyes countries of course) mercilessly mock and shame them.

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