Pence says he opposes RFK Jr.’s nomination for HHS secretary because of his stance on abortion
Former Vice President Mike Pence has come out strongly against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In a statement posted on the website for his Advancing American Freedom nonprofit, Pence made it clear that he believes Kennedy’s nomination is a departure from the pro-life stance of the Trump-Pence administration.
Pence emphasized that during his time in office, the administration was unapologetically pro-life and that the decisions made at HHS under their leadership always prioritized the respect for life. He expressed concern that Kennedy’s past support for abortion on demand throughout all nine months of pregnancy and his stance on overturning the Dobbs decision and codifying Roe v. Wade are not in line with the pro-life values that many Americans hold dear.
Kennedy’s nomination has raised alarm bells for Pence, who stated that if confirmed, Kennedy would be the most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history. President-elect Trump announced Kennedy’s nomination, touting him as a solution to the issues of deception and misinformation perpetuated by the industrial food complex and drug companies in the realm of public health.
Kennedy’s association with Trump during the campaign after endorsing him following his own bid for the White House has been noted. However, Pence, who served as Trump’s vice president during his first term, did not run with him again in 2024 and refrained from endorsing him.
Kennedy’s shifting positions on abortion, from supporting full-term abortions to later walking back and advocating for restrictions at some point in pregnancy, have also come under scrutiny. His campaign’s conflicting statements regarding a 15-week abortion ban have further added to the controversy.
In addition to concerns about his abortion stance, liberals and conservatives alike have raised red flags about Kennedy’s views on vaccines, fluoride in water, and other contentious issues. Trump’s recent declaration that he would veto any attempt at a national abortion ban, leaving it to the states to decide, has further complicated the debate surrounding Kennedy’s nomination.
As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Kennedy will address these concerns and navigate the confirmation process. Fox News Digital has reached out to Kennedy for comment, and the outcome of his nomination will likely have far-reaching implications for the future direction of the Department of Health and Human Services.
