Pence Opposes RFK Jr. for Health Secretary, Citing Abortion Stance

Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly opposed President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing concerns over Kennedy's inconsistent stance on abortion rights.

Pence’s conservative advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), issued a formal statement highlighting the nominee's controversial record on reproductive issues.

"While RFK Jr. has made overtures to pro-life leaders, there is little reason for confidence at this time," wrote AAF President Tim Chapman and Chairman Marc Short in a letter obtained by The Daily Wire.

The letter criticized Kennedy’s previous support for abortion access, including comments advocating the right to terminate pregnancies up to full term.

The AAF expressed skepticism about Kennedy’s ability to uphold pro-life policies if confirmed. The group raised concerns about his potential influence over federal programs, such as funding for Planned Parenthood and regulations on abortion pills, warning that a nominee lacking firm pro-life convictions could undermine the agenda.

Kennedy has attempted to reassure pro-life advocates in private discussions with Republican leaders.

He reportedly told Senator Josh Hawley that he would reinstate Trump-era policies, including the Mexico City Policy, which restricts U.S. funding for international organizations that provide abortion services. He also pledged to appoint HHS deputies with pro-life views.

“He told me he believes there are far too many abortions in the U.S. and that we cannot be the moral leader of the free world with abortion rates so high,” Hawley said.

Despite these assurances, AAF remains unconvinced. “An HHS Secretary must have a firm commitment to protect unborn children,” the letter stated, emphasizing lingering questions about Kennedy’s views on abortion at various stages of pregnancy and his commitment to regulating abortion drugs.

Trump’s decision to nominate Kennedy has divided conservatives. While some view Kennedy’s evolving position on abortion as progress, others believe it’s a risky move that could jeopardize pro-life gains.

Critics within the MAGA faction dismissed Pence’s concerns, with one self-proclaimed MAGA Republican posting on social media, “NOBODY CARES WHAT MIKE PENCE THINKS. RFK Jr. will do an outstanding job and should be confirmed!”

Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who spoke with Kennedy, said the nominee has committed to aligning with Trump’s policies.

“I’m serving at the will of the President, and I think the country knows where the president stands,” Kennedy reportedly told Mullin.

Brian Burch, president of Catholic Vote, suggested Kennedy is attempting to reconcile his broader beliefs with pro-life principles.

“He opposes late-term abortion and wants to explore innovative ways to reduce abortion rates and support women in choosing life,” Burch said.

However, Kennedy’s nomination has also drawn backlash from Democrats and public health advocates. Critics point to his lack of qualifications in medicine or public health and his history of promoting misinformation.

Kennedy is a well-known vaccine skeptic who has falsely claimed that vaccines cause autism and that COVID-19 was “ethnically targeted” to spare certain populations, including Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people.

As the Senate prepares to debate Kennedy’s confirmation, the division between conservative factions and public health advocates underscores the contentious nature of his nomination.

The outcome will likely have lasting implications for health policy and reproductive rights in the U.S.