SPD Faction Leader Matthias Miersch has expressed openness to debating the legalization of surrogacy. However, he emphasized that strengthening support for foster care and adoption should be prioritized. Speaking to the “Funke” media group, Miersch noted that there are “already many children who are looking for adoptive or foster parents.”
The Social Democrat party leader highlighted “truly beautiful examples of queer parents” who have adopted foster or placed children. “This is a path that is available today and which we should make more visible,” he stated.
While Miersch did not rule out a discussion on surrogacy, he insisted that this debate must not be conflated with the recent departure of the CDU’s previous faction leader, Jens Spahn. “I do not want to link this to the case of Jens Spahn, as that would be inappropriate towards his private situation,” Miersch commented. He generally argued that coalitions must be capable of discussing issues that were not on the agenda at the start of the legislative period. He also mentioned that a specialized committee had been established during the last term, whose findings could be utilized if the debate were ever pursued.
For any potential legalization, Miersch laid out clear prerequisites, insisting that “it is important to me that financial dependencies are excluded and that no abuse occurs.”
Regarding Spahn’s resignation, the SPD politician showed a personal reaction. “I personally wish him all the best. He decides for himself what his future holds,” Miersch said. Despite their significant political differences, Miersch added that they had “worked together very closely and trustingly” over the past months. “That’s why the past few days have not left me indifferent.”
Miersch concluded by saying that only Spahn could determine if his resignation was the right decision. He expressed the impression that certain internal dynamics within the CDU are developing in a direction from which there is no turning back.
