Jens Spahn has resigned as parliamentary leader of the Christian Democratic Union after criticism surrounding the birth of his son through a surrogate in the USA. Surrogacy is prohibited under German law, although parents who arrange such births abroad do not face criminal penalties. Spahn, who had previously supported Germany’s ban on surrogacy, faced accusations of hypocrisy from political opponents, members of his own party and sections of the media. Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly urged him to step down to prevent the controversy overshadowing the government’s agenda. While Spahn will remain a member of parliament, his resignation has reignited national debate about surrogacy, public integrity, and the expectations placed on elected leaders.