German Ruling Party Parliamentary Leader Resigns Following Controversy Over Surrogacy in U.S.

The parliamentary leader of Germany's ruling party has resigned after facing intense scrutiny for having a child through a surrogate in the United States, where such practices are prohibited in Germany.

Jens Spahn, parliamentary leader of the ruling CDU/CSU alliance, announced his resignation in a letter to fellow lawmakers on July 18 (local time). He stated, "Over the past few days, I have realized that the personal happiness of starting a family and becoming a father with my husband is incompatible with the political office I hold."

Spahn recently had a child with his same-sex partner, and reports that the child was born via a surrogate in the U.S. sparked widespread criticism.

While Spahn explained that he had reached the decision to have a child in that manner "after a long period of reflection and conflict, including regarding the issue of surrogacy," the controversy persisted.

Surrogacy is legally banned in Germany, and the center-right CDU/CSU alliance, to which Spahn belongs, maintains a firm party stance strongly opposing the practice.

However, it is not illegal to bring a child born through surrogacy abroad into Germany for upbringing.

The CDU reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the ban on surrogacy within Germany during its party convention held in February.

It was against this backdrop that news of Spahn using a surrogate in the U.S. emerged.

Spahn gained prominence while serving as Minister of Health during the administration of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, where he led the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, he has solidified his position as a key figure representing the conservative wing of the CDU, advocating for a hardline stance on immigration policy.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.