Jens Spahn quits as CDU parliamentary leader after surrogacy disclosure

Jens Spahn stepped down as CDU parliamentary leader on July 18, 2026, after disclosing he had fathered a child through a surrogate mother in the United States.

The Financial Times described Spahn as a CDU right-winger who had served as parliamentary leader under Chancellor Merz. BBC News and the Financial Times both reported that Spahn had previously supported a ban on surrogacy.

The surrogacy arrangement took place in the United States, the Financial Times said.