RFK Jr’s abortion ‘issue’: Senate GOP plans to scrutinize Trump HHS pick’s position
Senate Republicans are gearing up to investigate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on his pro-choice stance after President-elect Trump selected him to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, a former Democrat, has raised concerns among Senate Republicans for his views on abortion, particularly his belief that it should be left up to the woman and her doctor. He has also expressed support for unrestricted abortion up until the point of viability, which is around 24 weeks gestation.
Sen. James Lankford, a staunch pro-life advocate, has stated that Kennedy’s stance on abortion will definitely be a topic of discussion during the confirmation hearing. Lankford’s office is compiling a list of pro-life actions taken by the first Trump administration through HHS, such as conscience protections for abortion and measures against Planned Parenthood, to raise during the hearing.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, also plans to ask Kennedy about his position on abortion and how far he believes it should go. Other Republican senators, such as Bill Cassidy and Roger Wicker, have indicated that they will address the issue during the confirmation process.
While some Republicans are wary of Trump’s choice for HHS, others have expressed confidence that Kennedy will align with the administration’s pro-life stance. Sen. Ted Budd believes that all of Trump’s nominees should be pro-life, while Sen. Rick Scott is optimistic that Kennedy will do the right thing. Sen. John Kennedy has stated that Kennedy will be asked a question about his views on abortion during the hearing.
Katie Miller, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, has reassured that Kennedy intends to support President Trump’s agenda fully. However, conservative and pro-life groups have already voiced concerns about Kennedy’s nomination, with former Vice President Mike Pence and Marjorie Dannenfelser expressing worry about his pro-choice stance.
Despite these concerns, Dannenfelser believes that the pro-life policies set by President Trump during his first term will be upheld regardless of who serves as HHS secretary. As Senate Republicans prepare to probe Kennedy on his views on abortion, it remains to be seen how he will address the issue during his confirmation hearing.
