Pro-life leaders are expressing concern over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services and are urging senators to thoroughly question him about his pro-choice views. President-elect Trump last week nominated Kennedy for the position, saying he would help “end the Chronic Disease epidemic” and help “to Make America Great and Healthy Again.” Although some of Kennedy’s views on obesity and food have received bipartisan applause, his views on abortion have stirred controversy.
In May, Kennedy said he supports legalized abortion and believes it should not be a state issue.
“My belief is that we should leave it to the woman. We shouldn’t have the government involved,” he said.
“Even if it’s full term?” the interviewer asked Kennedy.
“Even if it’s full term,” Kennedy responded.
Later in his presidential campaign, a spokesperson said Kennedy supported restrictions but only after fetal viability.
Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a pro-life activist, said Monday that pro-lifers “bear the responsibility to hold every single nominee accountable on the issue of abortion.”
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. must state clearly and without equivocation his defense of unborn life, or quite frankly, we are in no position to support this nomination and have every reason to oppose it,” Mohler said on his podcast, The Briefing.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told the Washington Examiner she is apprehensive about Kennedy.
“There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary, and of course, we have concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr,” Dannenfelser said. “I believe that no matter who is HHS secretary, baseline policies set by President Trump during his first term will be reestablished.”
This implies RFK commitment to Trump 1 prolife HHS policies, correct? Sure hope I’m right. Assume Prolife Senators will want to know. https://t.co/331eNyxzvf
— Marjorie Dannenfelser (@marjoriesba) November 15, 2024
The secretary of HHS has a major impact on America’s abortion policy, primarily through oversight of federal health programs such as Medicaid, as well as funding decisions that influence access to abortion. The secretary also shapes policy through regulatory guidance, public health initiatives, and the implementation of laws such as the Affordable Care Act. Typically, Republican presidents have nominated pro-lifers for the position.
Lila Rose, president and founder of Live Action, posted a video about abortion on her X account and wrote, “RFK released a statement in May supporting abortion on demand up until the baby is viable, which is around 22 weeks. Secretary of HHS is in charge of virtually anything abortion related in exec branch. This is D&C abortion on an 11-week-old baby. This baby deserves protection.”
RFK released a statement in May supporting abortion on demand up until the baby is viable, which is around 22~ weeks
Secretary of HHS is in charge of virtually anything abortion related in exec branch
This is D&C abortion on an 11-week-old baby
This baby deserves protection pic.twitter.com/hHdaJcPt8v
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) November 15, 2024
Mike Pence of Advancing American Freedom urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Pence was vice president during Trump’s first term. There are “hundreds of decisions made at HHS every day” that “either lead our nation toward a respect for life or away from it,” Pence said.
“The pro-life movement has always looked to the Republican party to stand for life, to affirm an unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed,” Pence said in a statement. “On behalf of tens of millions of pro-life Americans, I respectfully urge Senate Republicans to reject this nomination and give the American people a leader who will respect the sanctity of life as secretary of Health and Human Services.”
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/KevinDietsch-Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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