Pro-life leaders express concern over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services and will grill senators about his pro-choice views I'm asking you to. President-elect Trump nominated Kennedy to the post last week, saying he would help “end the chronic disease epidemic” and “make America great and healthy again.” While some of Kennedy's views on obesity and food have received bipartisan praise, his views on abortion have sparked controversy.
President Kennedy said in May that he supports legalized abortion and believes it should not be a national issue.
“My belief is that it should be left to the women. The government should not be involved,” she said.
“Are you near term?'' the interviewer asked Kennedy.
President Kennedy replied, “Even if it's at full term.”
Later in the presidential campaign, a spokesman said Mr. Kennedy supported restrictions, but only after considering the viability of the fetus.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president and pro-life activist Albert Mohler said Monday that pro-life activists have a “responsibility to hold all candidates accountable on the abortion issue.”
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. must clearly and unambiguously state his position in defense of unborn life. Otherwise, frankly, we are in no position to support this nomination. , there are good reasons to oppose it,” Mohler said on the podcast. briefing.
said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. washington examiner She is worried about Kennedy.
“There's no question that we need a pro-life Secretary of Health and Human Services. Of course, I have concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,” Dannenfelser said. “I believe that no matter who becomes Secretary of Health and Human Services, the fundamental policies that President Trump established during his first term will be reestablished.”
This means RFK is committed to Trump 1's proliferating HHS policy, right? I sure hope I'm right. Pro-life senators will want to know. https://t.co/331eNyxzvf
— Marjorie Dannenfelser (@marjoriesba) November 15, 2024
The HHS Secretary has significant influence on American abortion policy, primarily through oversight of federal health programs such as Medicaid and funding decisions that affect access to abortion. The Secretary also shapes policy through regulatory guidance, public health initiatives, and enforcement of laws such as the Affordable Care Act. Typically, Republican presidents nominate pro-life candidates to the post.
Lila Rose, president and founder of Live Action, posted a video about the abortion on her The HHS Secretary is in charge of virtually everything related to abortion on demand, which is a legal abortion for babies as young as 11 weeks old. should be protected.”
RFK released a statement in May supporting abortion on demand until the baby is viable (around 22 weeks old).
The Secretary of Health is in charge of almost all abortion-related tasks in the executive branch.
This is a D&C abortion for an 11 week old baby.
this baby should be protected pic.twitter.com/hHdaJcPt8v
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) November 15, 2024
American Freedom Champion Mike Pence called on the Senate to reject Kennedy's nomination. Pence served as vice president during President Trump's first term. “Hundreds of decisions are made every day at HHS that will lead our country either towards respect for life or away from respect for life,” Pence said.
“The pro-life movement has always counted on Republicans to be pro-life and affirm that unborn children have a fundamental right to life that cannot be violated,” Pence said in a statement. statement. “On behalf of tens of millions of pro-life Americans, I humbly ask Senate Republicans to reject this nomination and give the American people a leader who respects the sanctity of life as Secretary of Health and Human Services. .”
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/KevinDietsch-Staff
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
