Controversy Surrounds CDU Member’s Use of Surrogacy

(AP) — A well-known figure from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right party faced criticism on Friday for opting for surrogacy in the United States, a practice that’s banned in Germany.

Reports from German media indicate that Jens Spahn, head of the CDU faction in Germany’s parliament, and his husband have welcomed a son born to a surrogate mother in the U.S.

Despite this personal choice, the CDU firmly opposes the legalization of surrogacy in Germany, prompting backlash within the party concerning Spahn’s actions.

Merz stated on Friday that there was “no need to change” the country’s prohibition on surrogacy, reaffirming the party’s stance against it. When asked about his support for Spahn, Merz mentioned that the matter would be addressed in an upcoming CDU national executive committee meeting.

Some party members have openly criticized Spahn and called for his resignation as leader of the CDU parliamentary group.

In response to the controversy, Spahn defended his choice during a podcast interview, admitting he had wrestled with the decision for a long time. He reflected on the difficulty of the choices they made, saying, “These are not easy decisions.”

Spahn mentioned that he would confer with colleagues regarding his future as party leader, asserting that only parliamentary groups could determine the next steps.

Daniel Peters, CDU leader in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, expressed that it was “totally unacceptable” for Spahn to act differently in personal matters while being a party member and urged him to resign.

Hubert Huppe, head of the CDU’s senior citizens’ group, shared his personal shock at Spahn’s decision, despite the party’s clear stance on surrogacy. He acknowledged the desire of all couples, including same-sex couples, to have children but raised concerns about the potential exploitation of women in the process.

According to Bild, the surrogate was about four months pregnant when the CDU last reaffirmed its ban on surrogacy in February. Sources close to Spahn pointed out that U.S. laws protecting women influenced the couple’s decision to pursue surrogacy abroad.

The government’s queer affairs commissioner, Sophie Koch from the center-left SPD, also commented on the situation, highlighting that many gay men want children and should be able to fulfill that desire, though she expressed her disapproval of commercial surrogacy.

Spahn, who is 46, had formerly served as Germany’s health minister during the pandemic under Chancellor Angela Merkel. He has become a prominent voice in the party’s right wing, particularly regarding immigration issues.