Pence is not happy.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is urging Senate Republicans to reject President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) due to Kennedy’s stance on abortion. In a statement issued by his conservative nonprofit, Advancing American Freedom, Pence expressed concern that Kennedy’s views represent a significant departure from the pro-life values that have long been central to the Republican Party.
Kennedy, who is running for president as an independent, has made mixed statements on abortion throughout his political career. Initially, when he launched his campaign, Kennedy supported a ban on abortion after the first trimester but quickly walked back that position. He has also signaled that he does not support a ban on abortion prior to fetal viability, which generally occurs around 24 weeks. On his campaign website, Kennedy reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of Roe v. Wade, expressing opposition to the overturning of Roe and supporting legislation to restore abortion rights if the courts do not act.
For Pence, a staunch pro-life advocate, these views are deeply troubling. He argued that Kennedy’s nomination is at odds with the pro-life record of the Trump administration, pointing out that the HHS under Trump was committed to protecting life at all stages. Pence, who has frequently criticized Trump on certain policy positions, especially related to abortion, said the nomination represents a “slap in the face” to the millions of pro-life Americans who have supported the Republican Party for decades.
Pence’s call to Senate Republicans is clear: reject Kennedy’s nomination and ensure that the HHS continues to be led by someone who respects the sanctity of life. He reminded Republicans that “the Trump-Pence administration was unapologetically pro-life,” and the decisions made at HHS directly impact the protection of life. Pence’s statement reflects the broader concern among conservative circles that the Trump administration may stray from its pro-life commitments under the leadership of someone like Kennedy.
Leading pro-life organizations have expressed caution over Kennedy’s nomination. While some, like Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, have voiced concerns, they have not yet made a definitive call on rejecting Kennedy. Others, such as Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life, have emphasized the need to hold Kennedy accountable for ensuring that HHS does not discriminate against pro-life Americans, particularly when it comes to funding and policies that favor groups like Planned Parenthood.
As the nomination moves forward, it is clear that the pro-life community remains vigilant, seeking to ensure that any leader of HHS upholds the values that have defined the Republican Party and protected the unborn.