18.07.2026 21:20
Jens Spahn, a former minister in Germany and head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentary group, sparked controversy in the country after having a child via surrogacy in the US. Spahn, who is gay, resigned from his position following the backlash.
The decision of Jens Spahn, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany and chairman of the Federal Parliamentary Group, and his husband Daniel Funke to have a child via surrogacy in the USA has caused reactions in the country.
"SURROGACY DECISION COSTS HIM HIS POSITION"
Following rising public pressure, Jens Spahn announced his resignation from his post. In a letter to fellow MPs, Spahn, who is gay, stated that he had also informed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and CSU leader Markus Söder of his decision.
Spahn said, "I informed CDU and CSU leaders Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder, as well as our group via this letter, that I have stepped down from my position as chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag. My personal happiness, starting a family with my husband and becoming a father, is incompatible with my political duties. The balance between my private decision to have a child via surrogacy and the responsibilities expected of me as group leader has become more difficult than I anticipated."