Southern Baptist Convention Opposes Surgeon General Nominee
The Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy group has expressed its opposition to President Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Casey Means, as revealed in a letter obtained by The Daily Signal.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) conveyed its “deep concern” regarding Means’ nomination in a letter directed to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
“Dr. Means’ displayed convictions raise a number of concerns for us as Southern Baptists,” wrote ERLC interim President Gary Hollingsworth.
Trump mentioned to The Daily Signal that the possibility of withdrawing Means’ nomination due to Senate pushback was on the table. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that the president supports Means and urged the Senate to expedite her confirmation process.
The Southern Baptist Convention’s main worry relates to Means’ views on abortion.
“As the Bible teaches, Southern Baptists affirm the full dignity of every human being, believing that every life deserves protection,” Hollingsworth stated. “We hold that life begins at conception, and any form of abortion denies preborn humans their lives.”
“Dr. Means has repeatedly opposed these beliefs and has supported abortion,” he added.
In the letter, it was noted that during Means’ confirmation hearing, she “skirted questions” regarding the abortion pill mifepristone and did not answer whether it should be prescribed only after an in-person visit with a doctor.
Means responded, saying, “The question of whether it should be an in-person visit is out of the purview of the surgeon general’s office. However, I believe every patient needs to have a comprehensive conversation with their doctor before taking any medication.”
“Every medication has risks and benefits,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of informed consent.
The Southern Baptist Convention found it “alarming that the candidate for our nation’s top public health official is apparently noncommittal on such a powerful drug, which poses risks to women and takes innocent lives.”
Additionally, the denomination expressed concern over Means’ “blatant flaunting” of past illicit drug use, particularly her experimentation with psilocybin. In her book, “Good Energy,” Means suggested that those “feeling called” might consider trying psilocybin, a psychedelic drug that is illegal.
“Those aiming to lead others in health pursuits should not overlook the absence of rigorous clinical data regarding psilocybin use,” Hollingsworth remarked. “Ignoring this is contrary to the responsibilities of the role she seeks.”
The SBC concluded that Means is “not qualified to serve as our country’s next surgeon general.”
“If her nomination is put to a committee vote, we urge you to oppose Dr. Means’ nomination based on medical, moral, and legal concerns,” Hollingsworth advised the senators.
