Mechthild Heil, the chairwoman of the women’s group within the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, sharply criticized faction leader Jens Spahn for becoming a father through the assistance of a surrogate mother in the United States. According to Heil, women must never be subjected to sexual exploitation or used as “egg machines.” Writing for the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, the Rhineland-Palatinate Christian Democrat stated that most women involved in these situations are not treated equally by “those who purchase this exploitation.” In her view, these women acted out of financial distress, physical or psychological dependence, or a lack of perceived alternatives.
Heil further explained that while the few women who are fully self-determined and free could support this exploitative system of paying parents and surrogates, she fundamentally rejects both the purchase of children and surrogacy itself. The women’s group in the Union faction consists of more than 40 members.
However, David Preisendanz, a CDU MP from Baden-Württemberg, defended Spahn to the newspaper, stating that he offered Spahn his heartfelt congratulations. While Preisendanz acknowledged the political inconsistency, he found it difficult to criticize individuals who were fulfilling their desire to have children.
Regarding the matter, government sources informed the newspaper that Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) would comment in due course. It is worth noting that Spahn had previously expressed his opposition to the legalization of surrogacy in Germany.
