The Controversy Surrounding RFK Jr.’s HHS Nomination
Amidst a whirlwind of differing opinions, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President-elect Donald Trump has sparked significant debate. Former Vice President Mike Pence has been a vocal opponent, urging Senate Republicans to reject this nomination due to Kennedy’s contentious stance on abortion.
Pence’s condemnation stems from Kennedy’s perceived pro-abortion views. In a statement via Advancing American Freedom, Pence asserted, “The Trump-Pence administration was unapologetically pro-life for our four years in office. There are hundreds of decisions made at HHS every day that either lead our nation toward a respect for life or away from it, and HHS under our administration always stood for life.”
Former Vice President @Mike_Pence comes out in opposition to Trump’s RFK Jr nomination—“if confirmed, RFK Jr would be the most pro-abortion Republican-appointed secretary of HHS in modern history.”
pic.twitter.com/elt7Fr647j— Philip Melanchthon Wegmann (@PhilipWegmann)
November 15, 2024
Pence expressed further concern, claiming Kennedy has historically supported policies that could be seen as antithetical to the pro-life movement, including “abortion on demand during all nine months of pregnancy” and support for legislation to codify Roe v. Wade.
Kennedy’s stance on abortion has been inconsistent, evidenced by his May statement allowing full-term abortions, which he later adjusted, stating support only up to fetal viability. This inconsistency concerns many pro-life advocates who view the HHS as crucial in shaping abortion-related policies.
Other Christian conservative figures, such as Daniel Darling and Lila Rose, have echoed Pence’s concerns about Kennedy’s nomination. Darling, the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement, posted on X, “If true, a huge blow to social conservatives. He’s pro abortion till birth. Pro FDA approval of abortion pill.”
Following the announcement, Trump’s decision to nominate Kennedy, previously an independent presidential candidate, led to a dip in pharmaceutical stocks and widespread disapproval from health experts and media entities like The New York Post, which criticized the nomination.
Kennedy, known for his views on corruption in federal health institutions, has made headlines with his critique of Anthony Fauci in his book The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health. His nomination has sparked further debate regarding the direction of U.S. health policy under Trump.
Previously, Pence had dropped out of the 2024 Republican primary race, his campaign waning amidst critiques, notably over his stance on U.S. support for Ukraine. Now, as the discussion over Kennedy’s nomination unfolds, his influence remains potent within Republican circles.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
