politics
Jens Spahn Steps Down as Bundestag Conservative Leader After Announcing Son Born via Surrogate
Jens Spahn stepped down July 18 as leader of conservative MPs in Germany's parliament after announcing the birth of his son through surrogacy in the United States. The resignation followed criticism from his own party over the practice, which is banned in Germany.
Jul 20, 4:50 AM·1m read1 source
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Jens Spahn resigned July 18 as leader of the conservative MPs in the Bundestag, Le Monde reported. The move came after he announced the birth of his son Georg through a surrogate pregnancy in the United States, with his partner as the biological father. Spahn, 46, had revealed the birth to the newspaper Bild on July 15.
He stated that he and his partner were aware the issue often raises uncertainties and prejudice, adding a quote from Franz Beckenbauer that the good Lord rejoices in every child. Surrogacy remains prohibited in Germany, and both the CDU and its Bavarian CSU ally condemn the practice. Spahn himself had long opposed the method of procreation before using it.
Criticism mounted quickly from within the CDU and other parties. Spahn admitted he had underestimated the impact on conservative lawmakers, and explicit calls for his resignation came from CDU MPs by Friday. Spahn serves as one of the closest allies to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
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