Despite concerns from anti-abortion advocates, Senate Republicans are suggesting they might support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), acknowledging his long-standing stance on abortion rights.
Although several anti-abortion figures have voiced objections, some Senate Republicans have indicated that Kennedy’s nomination could still gain their backing, largely due to their respect for President-elect Trump’s choices.
Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressed that Trump’s agenda of shaking up the Washington establishment could reflect in his nominees. “President Trump is pro-life, so I don’t think there will be any issue on policy matters,” Budd said.
James Lankford emphasizes the critical role abortion will play in Kennedy’s upcoming confirmation hearings
Kennedy, who previously ran for president, is seeking the HHS role and aims to promote health reforms under the banner of “making America healthy again.” However, his path forward is complicated by his controversial positions on vaccines and fluoride in drinking water, both of which could face strong opposition.
The biggest obstacle for Kennedy remains his stance on abortion, particularly after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two years ago, which has shifted the Republican Party’s views on this issue.
Some Republicans have signaled they will closely examine Kennedy’s abortion views, especially during private meetings with him and potential confirmation hearings. “That’s a list of questions I’m going to have for him during the confirmation process,” Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) stated. “The Trump administration was clear and consistent on all of those life issues at HHS in the first administration, and I expect the same in the second one.”
Lankford, now a member of GOP leadership, emphasized that the issue of abortion would be a focal point not only for Kennedy but for the eventual nominee to lead the FDA. He also expects the Senate GOP to scrutinize Kennedy’s position more broadly, stating, “That’s a core issue at HHS, and it’s entirely appropriate for us to discuss it.”
This concern over abortion rights is not only shared by Senate Republicans; Kennedy himself has privately acknowledged the importance of the issue in securing the 51 votes needed for confirmation. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a Trump ally, mentioned that he and Kennedy had discussed his position on abortion rights.
Mullin emphasized that Kennedy’s role would be to serve Trump’s agenda, not his own personal views. “He respects that position,” Mullin explained, suggesting that Kennedy’s alignment with the president’s views on abortion should suffice for many.
However, not all members of the GOP are in agreement. Some leading anti-abortion figures are still urging the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Former Vice President Mike Pence strongly criticized Kennedy’s views, calling the potential nomination a “departure from the pro-life record” and a concern for pro-life Republicans.
Ted Budd suggests Trump’s pro-life stance will guide Kennedy’s nomination, easing some GOP worries
Despite Pence’s opposition, most anti-abortion groups are opting for a more measured approach. They have expressed a willingness to give Kennedy a chance, believing he may shift his stance on abortion with further education. “Like many newcomers to the conservative pro-life movement, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. needs further education on the reality of abortion,” said John Mize, CEO of Americans United for Life, pointing to Kennedy’s past support for a federal abortion ban as a hopeful sign.
During his presidential campaign, Kennedy voiced support for a federal abortion ban after the first trimester, although he later clarified on social media that he believed abortion should remain unrestricted until fetal viability, around 24 weeks. He argued that he has always advocated for medical freedom and bodily autonomy for women, questioning the role of bureaucrats or judges in making life-or-death decisions for mothers.
Kennedy’s campaign also issued a statement, blaming a misunderstanding on the reporter’s questions at a crowded event. Meanwhile, Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, emphasized that her organization looks forward to discussing Kennedy’s health policies, particularly as they relate to abortion.
“RFK Jr. has a proven track record of holding health care bureaucrats accountable,” Hawkins noted. For Kennedy to secure confirmation, he will need to address the concerns of some skeptical members of the anti-abortion movement.
Shawn Carney, CEO of 40 Days for Life, warned that Kennedy could face resistance if he clings to his current stance on abortion, especially in light of recent setbacks for pro-abortion advocates. “You can’t crusade against Snickers bars in the name of health while discarding the unborn,” Carney said, stressing that Kennedy must align more closely with the pro-life majority.
