A leading German lawmaker has proposed extending the ban on surrogacy to include penalties for seeking surrogacy services abroad, citing ethical concerns and the protection of children’s rights.

Anne König, the family and women’s policy spokesperson for Germany’s conservative Union faction, has called for stricter measures against surrogacy. Her proposal seeks to criminalize not only domestic surrogacy but also the use of surrogacy services abroad, arguing that current laws are insufficient to prevent circumvention of the ban. König emphasized that children should not be treated as commodities, raising concerns about the ethical implications of surrogacy arrangements.

The proposal has sparked significant debate within the Union parties, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding surrogacy. König’s stance aligns with calls for a compassionate approach to the issue, focusing on the potential psychological and emotional impact on both the child and the surrogate mother. She questioned scenarios where intended parents might abandon their commitments due to unforeseen circumstances, such as separation or death, leaving the child’s future uncertain.

Critics of surrogacy have also highlighted the risks to surrogate mothers, including emotional attachment to the child and potential psychological harm from the process. König’s initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding human dignity amidst evolving technological and societal changes. The proposal is expected to fuel further discussions on the ethical and legal boundaries of surrogacy in Germany.