Two conservative groups opposing abortion rights announced their support for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services. This announcement came after former Vice President Mike Pence criticized the selection over abortion concerns. If confirmed to the position, Kennedy would have sweeping authority over a number of agencies that could directly affect access to abortion nationwide, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In a post on Friday, Pence criticized Kennedy’s selection as teeing up “the most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history.” Pence urged Senate Republicans to reject this nomination on behalf of tens of millions of pro-life Americans. He stated that the choice was deeply concerning to many in the pro-life community. Despite Pence’s objection, some of Trump’s allies dismissed his concerns, arguing that Kennedy would align with the Republican platform, which largely deferred the issue of abortion to the states.
Terry Schilling, head of the American Principles Project, supported Kennedy’s nomination, stating that Kennedy would serve at the pleasure of the president and that Trump’s policy was clear that there is no federal role in abortion. The American Principles Project, a political action committee, describes itself as the only national pro-family organization engaging in elections on issues such as opposition to abortion and gender-affirming care. Schilling highlighted areas where Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda could align with conservative values, such as his past stances questioning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors.
Another major activist group, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, also expressed concern over Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, the group’s president, emphasized the need for a pro-life HHS secretary but stated that regardless of who holds the position, baseline policies set by Trump’s first term would likely continue. A person close to the president-elect’s transition team believed that the abortion issue would not pose a significant obstacle to Kennedy’s confirmation and was unsurprised by Pence’s objections.
During the campaign, Trump expressed support for Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform and offered him the opportunity to focus on health issues in the new administration. The group Americans United for Life expressed optimism about working with Kennedy to address the policies of the previous administration. However, they acknowledged that Kennedy’s views may not fully align with their own, stating that he may need further education on the reality of abortion and its effects.
Kennedy’s shifting stance on abortion, including a statement supporting a federal ban on abortion followed by a reversal, has raised concerns among anti-abortion activists. John Mize, the CEO of Americans United for Life, suggested ways that Kennedy could further solidify his support among anti-abortion groups, such as supporting the reinstatement of FDA restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone. More than 60% of abortions in the U.S. in 2023 involved the use of this medication, and many prescriptions are now obtained via telehealth.
In conclusion, the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked debate among conservative groups regarding his stance on abortion. While some groups support his nomination based on his broader health agenda, others have expressed concerns about his views on abortion. As Kennedy moves through the confirmation process, his position on abortion and other key issues will continue to be scrutinized by both supporters and critics alike.
