Jens Spahn, a prominent German center-right politician, has stepped down from his role as parliamentary group leader for the governing coalition. The resignation follows accusations of hypocrisy regarding his decision to use a surrogate mother in the United States to conceive a child.
While surrogacy is illegal in Germany—a stance supported by Spahn’s own Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party—bringing a child born through international surrogacy into the country remains legal.
In a statement released Saturday, Spahn noted, “I have realized that my personal happiness—founding a family with my husband and becoming a father—is not compatible with my political office.”
CDU leader Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the resignation as both “right” and “inevitable.”
“Credibility is a politician’s most valuable asset,” Merz stated on social media, adding that the process to appoint a successor has begun.
The 46-year-old former health minister revealed earlier this week that he and his husband, Daniel Funke, had become parents. The decision to use a surrogate abroad sparked significant criticism from various political factions, including members of his own party.
In his resignation announcement, Spahn explained that the conflict between his private family decisions and the expectations placed upon him as parliamentary group chairman was more significant than he had initially anticipated.
He further remarked that the “relentless” nature of the public debate had prompted him to reflect deeply on his position.
“Regardless of how clearly or decisively we approach these issues, we should always maintain a human tone in our discourse,” Spahn concluded.
According to German media reports, Alexander Hoffmann, head of the Christian Social Union parliamentary group, will manage Spahn’s responsibilities temporarily until a new leader is selected.
Hoffmann commented, “Jens Spahn’s decision deserves the utmost respect.”
