Mike Pence's advocacy group urges Senate to reject RFK Jr as HHS secretary over abortion stance

Former Vice President Mike Pence's organization Advancing American Freedom (AAF) on Wednesday urged the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, citing his previous favorable stance on abortion. 

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kennedy for the position last year, but Kennedy has been considered a more controversial nominee because of his pro-abortion and anti-vaccine stances. Thousands of doctors have also objected to his nomination in letters to Congress recently, asserting that Kennedy was a "dangerous" choice. 

Pence's group claimed that Kennedy was "pro-abortion," citing his previous comments that a woman should have the right to abort their baby, and that the government should not be involved. He has also been supportive of keeping the legality of abortions to states.

“While RFK Jr. has made certain overtures to pro-life leaders that he would be mindful of their concerns at HHS, there is little reason for confidence at this time," the group's President Tim Chapman and Chairman Marc Short wrote in a letter, obtained by the Daily Wire. “There are hundreds of decisions made every day at HHS that either lead our nation toward a respect for life or away from it—decisions about federal funding for Planned Parenthood, regulations on the abortion pill ... insurance coverage of abortion, and more.”

The group acknowledged the merits and validity of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, but said the Senate needs to confirm an HHS secretary who is devoted to protecting fetuses. 

“We strongly encourage you to reject the nomination of any pro-abortion nominees to serve at HHS," the group said. "RFK Jr., as well as any other nominated HHS Secretary, must be able to provide satisfactory answers to the list of important pro-life questions attached to this letter. 

"The pro-life movement has a strong bench of courageous pro-life leaders who are willing to serve the American people as the head of HHS," the letter added.

The letter included a series of questions that the group would like the Senate to ask Kennedy, including clarifying his stance on abortion pills and when he believes the life of an unborn child should be protected. The group also urged the nominee to commit to ending federal funding of abortion. 

The letter comes as many Republican senators appear to ready to embrace Kennedy to the post, despite his lack of medical training. Kennedy, the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, has primarily worked as an environmental lawyer. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.