rights
Gay politician blasted for having a child through surrogacy after supporting a ban on the practice
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
A conservative gay German politician is facing calls to resign after he and his husband became parents to a child born through surrogacy in the U.S.The practice is banned in Germany. Related Italy's "disgusting" new law makes it virtually impossible for LGBTQ+ couples to have kids Jens Spahn, a memb
Key takeaway On Instagram, Spahn's husband posted a picture of the couple, with the pol, 46, pushing a pram along with the caption "We Are Family.
Why this matters
The controversy surrounding Jens Spahn's use of surrogacy to become a father highlights the complexities of LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive policies in Europe. As a conservative gay politician, Spahn's past support for banning commercial surrogacy in Germany has come back to haunt him, with many calling for his resignation. This incident underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries with restrictive reproductive laws, where they may be forced to seek alternatives abroad. The fact that surrogacy is illegal in Germany but not restricted for Germans traveling abroad for it reveals a disconnect between national policies and individual choices. This case also draws attention to the growing trend of Christian nationalists in government seeking to restrict reproductive rights, including surrogacy, in countries like the US. As the LGBTQ+ community continues to navigate these complexities, national resources like the Trevor Project and the National LGBTQ Task Force remain crucial in providing support and guidance.
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A conservative gay German politician is facing calls to resign after he and his husband became parents to a child born through surrogacy in the U.S.The practice is banned in Germany. Related Italy's "disgusting" new law makes it virtually impossible for LGBTQ+ couples to have kids Jens Spahn, a memb
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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