
Former Vice President Mike Pence calls on senators to block Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health Secretary, citing concerns over Kennedy’s stance on abortion.
At a Glance
- Mike Pence opposes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary
- Pence’s group, “Advancing American Freedom,” sent a letter to senators highlighting Kennedy’s past “pro-abortion” statements
- Kennedy initially ran as a Democrat in 2024 but later endorsed a first trimester abortion ban before retracting
- Despite Kennedy’s assurances to senators, Pence’s organization urges rejection of his confirmation
Pence’s Opposition to Kennedy’s Nomination
Former Vice President Mike Pence has taken a firm stance against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. Pence’s advocacy group, “Advancing American Freedom,” has sent a letter to senators expressing deep concerns about Kennedy’s ability to make pro-life decisions at HHS. The group highlighted Kennedy’s past “pro-abortion” statements and raised issues regarding federal funding for Planned Parenthood and abortion regulations.
Pence’s opposition stems from his belief that Kennedy would be the “most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history.” This statement underscores the importance of the HHS Secretary role in shaping health policies that align with conservative values, particularly regarding the contentious issue of abortion.
Kennedy’s Shifting Stance on Abortion
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s political journey has been marked by shifts in his stance on abortion. Initially running as a Democrat in the 2024 campaign, Kennedy later endorsed a first trimester abortion ban before retracting that position. This fluctuation in his views has raised concerns among conservative leaders about his commitment to pro-life policies.
“While RFK Jr. has made certain overtures to pro-life leaders that he would be mindful of their concerns at HHS, there is little reason for confidence at this time”
Despite the skepticism from Pence’s organization, Kennedy has made efforts to reassure pro-life senators about his intentions if confirmed as HHS Secretary. In meetings with senators like Josh Hawley and Markwayne Mullin, Kennedy discussed his stance on abortion and pledged to follow the President’s policies.
Senatorial Meetings and Assurances
Senator Josh Hawley, after meeting with Kennedy, shared insights about their discussion on social media. Hawley stated, “Today I got to sit down with @RobertKennedyJr – we had a substantive discussion about American healthcare & his plans to take on Big Pharma. We also had a good discussion, at length, about prolife policies at HHS.”
“He committed to me to reinstate President Trump’s prolife policies at HHS. That includes reinstating the Mexico City policy & ending taxpayer funding for abortions domestically”
Kennedy’s assurances to Senator Hawley included a commitment to reinstate Trump’s pro-life policies at HHS, including the Mexico City policy. This policy, also known as the “global gag rule,” prohibits foreign non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. funding from providing abortion services or information.
Broader Health Policy Concerns
Beyond the abortion debate, Kennedy has pledged to address America’s chronic disease epidemic and has been critical of pharmaceutical and food industries. He has accused these sectors of “mass poisoning” Americans, indicating a potential shift in focus for HHS under his leadership.
Despite these assurances and Kennedy’s broader health policy goals, Pence’s organization continues to urge senators to reject his confirmation. This ongoing opposition highlights the deep divisions within the Republican party over key policy issues and appointments to critical government positions.