A reproductive arrangement shaping families and law
Jens Spahn has stepped down as parliamentary group leader of Germany’s CDU/CSU after revelations he and his husband used a US surrogate to become parents. The move follows internal party pressure and raises questions about credibility and surrogacy policy in Germany.
A surrogate has given birth to Gabriel in Dallas after a dispute over a termination request tied to a severe heart condition. California-based parents are the legal guardians, while the surrogate seeks parentage. Texas orders require life-saving care for Gabriel, with ongoing court battles looming.
Australia’s Queensland surrogacy framework is tested by a case where a surrogate pregnancy results in twins with different biological parents. Judges rule these children are not birth siblings under the act, formalising parentage for both couples.
The Supreme Court has denied McKenna West’s emergency bid seeking conservatorship over the baby born to her in Dallas, who Struggles with a severe heart condition. The decision leaves a California custody order in place, granting parental rights to Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar. West has argued she would provide essential care, while the couple says they fear chaos and question future medical decisions.
Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan face conspiracy to commit child abuse charges after 15 of the 16 children in their Arcadia home were removed last year. Investigators describe the home as a facility with surveillance and alleged multiple abusive incidents.