Conservative politicians in Germany are calling for a ban on the use of surrogacy services abroad, arguing it undermines domestic legal and ethical standards. The proposal has sparked renewed debate over surrogacy and its implications for German law.

A group of conservative lawmakers in Germany is advocating for stricter regulations to prohibit citizens from using surrogacy services in foreign countries. Susanne Hierl, a legal affairs spokesperson for the Christian Social Union (CSU), has criticized the practice, stating that it circumvents Germany’s legal stance against surrogacy and creates inconsistencies in legal outcomes depending on the country of birth. Hierl emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of existing bans and the consideration of additional measures to address the issue.

The debate gained momentum following the resignation of Jens Spahn, a prominent Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician, who stepped down as parliamentary group leader after revealing that he and his husband had become parents through a surrogacy arrangement in the United States. This revelation reignited discussions within the Union bloc about the ethical and legal implications of surrogacy, with some members pushing for a model similar to Italy’s strict regulations. In Italy, citizens can face criminal charges and significant fines for engaging in surrogacy, even if the procedure is conducted in countries where it is legal.

Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, with some warning about the exploitation risks associated with surrogacy, particularly for women in economically vulnerable situations. Axel Müller, a CDU lawmaker and former judge, suggested that Germany could expand its criminal code to include surrogacy as a punishable offense. However, he and other experts stressed the importance of a broader ethical debate on issues such as embryo protection and the societal impact of surrogacy before implementing any new legislation.