Top German conservative quits after surrogacy sparks backlash within party | Government News
German Conservative Leader Resigns Following Surrogacy Controversy
Published: July 18, 2026
A senior figure in Germany’s governing conservative coalition has resigned after becoming a father through surrogacy, a move that clashes with his party’s stance on the issue. Jens Spahn, 46, the parliamentary leader for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), stepped down on Saturday following internal pressure to resign.
Spahn’s resignation comes in the wake of public revelations that he and his husband welcomed a child via surrogate in the United States. The news, which surfaced on Thursday, drew criticism from fellow conservatives and accusations of hypocrisy from opposition members.
In his resignation letter to party colleagues, Spahn acknowledged the conflict, stating, “Over the past few days, I have come to realize that my personal happiness—starting a family with my husband and becoming a father—is incompatible with my political office.”
His departure marks a significant loss for Chancellor Merz, as Spahn had been one of his closest allies. As the parliamentary leader of the CDU, Spahn played a crucial role in securing votes for the government’s agenda, making his position one of considerable influence in German politics.
Surrogacy remains illegal in Germany; however, it is permissible for parents to raise children born to surrogates abroad. Notably, the CDU reaffirmed its opposition to surrogacy in a vote earlier this year.
Defending his decision, Spahn told the Bild newspaper on Friday that he had “wrestled with myself for a long time, including on the issue of surrogacy.”
Chancellor Merz described Spahn’s decision to resign as “right and unavoidable,” emphasizing the importance of credibility in politics. While he acknowledged Spahn’s contributions toward the CDU’s return to power, he maintained that there was “no reason” for the party to alter its position on surrogacy, suggesting that further discussions on the matter would take place.
As the situation develops, Spahn’s resignation underscores the tensions between personal choices and political responsibilities within Germany’s conservative landscape.
