Swiss politician calls for open discussion on surrogacy, criticizes hypocrisy

Dominik Mazur, a representative of the Swiss Center party, argues for a more relaxed approach to surrogacy, a topic that has recently embroiled German CDU politician Jens Spahn in controversy. Mazur, who became a father via surrogacy in the U.S. in 2017, believes the public and political discourse surrounding the issue is unnecessarily charged and often based on misinformation.

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It is, in my opinion, an unsightly, morally charged political farce. I was annoyed by the reporting, which is often inaccurate and contributes to this agitation.

He criticizes Spahn's situation, calling it an "unsightly, morally charged political farce." Mazur points out the factual inaccuracies in media reports, such as the misconception that a surrogate mother is always the egg donor, which leads to the false accusation of child abduction. Mazur acknowledges Spahn's hypocrisy in politically criticizing surrogacy while using it himself, stating, "Yes, I agree with you. That was not honest from Mr. Spahn." However, he suggests Germany has larger issues than the birth of Spahn's child.

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Yes, I agree with you. That was not honest from Mr. Spahn.

Mazur contrasts his own experience, where his family and community reacted positively after he explained the process, with the public outcry surrounding Spahn. He notes that in his small community, any initial gossip has since subsided, and his family is accepted. Despite his Center party's official stance against surrogacy, Mazur found supportive colleagues in his local Zurich chapter, which he describes as more socially liberal. He advocates for an open discussion in Switzerland about legalizing surrogacy, suggesting that the practice is already happening and should be addressed more frankly.

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My experience is: If you explain the process to people, surrogacy is usually accepted.