Sophie Koch, the Federal Government Commissioner for Queer Issues (SPD), has publicly rejected the idea of commercial surrogacy in Germany. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” in the context of a debate regarding unions party leader Jens Spahn’s paternity, Koch stated that while many queer people wish to have children, this desire should be fulfilled in a way that is not commercial.
She emphasized that when a queer couple has children, their legal status must be guaranteed, regardless of how the child was conceived. Koch pointed out that the current framework of lineage law does not provide adequate protection, especially for children of lesbian couples, as well as for gay or transgender parents. Consequently, she stressed that a legal reform is urgently needed.
Koch highlighted a significant disparity in current German law: while a birth mother is automatically recognized as a legal parent for married lesbian couples, the male partner is automatically recognized as a legal parent in married heterosexual couples.
The SPD politician concluded by expressing her hope that Jens Spahn would publicly support the queer community on this issue.
