Senate Republicans are gearing up to scrutinize Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views on abortion as part of his confirmation process to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President-elect Donald Trump. Kennedy, a former Democrat and vocal critic of vaccine mandates, has raised concerns among pro-life lawmakers due to his past statements supporting abortion access.
During his presidential campaign, Kennedy stated that abortion decisions should be “left up to the woman and her doctor.” Over the summer, he posted on social media his support for “abortion [being] unrestricted up until a certain point,” which he defined as viability—generally considered to occur at 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), a staunch pro-life advocate, confirmed abortion would be a major topic of discussion during Kennedy’s confirmation hearings. “I will raise it if no one else does,” Lankford said, noting his team is preparing questions about the Trump administration’s past pro-life efforts, such as conscience protections for healthcare providers and actions against Planned Parenthood.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, (R-AL)., echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to clarify Kennedy’s position on specific abortion limits. “How far? What month?” he asked. HELP Committee ranking member Sen. Bill Cassidy, (R-LA), said the topic was unavoidable, while Sen. Roger Wicker (r-MS), identified abortion as a key concern in evaluating Kennedy’s nomination.
Despite skepticism from some Republicans, others expressed confidence that Kennedy would align with Trump’s pro-life agenda. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), stated, “I would fully expect any of Trump’s nominees to be pro-life,” though he acknowledged the importance of addressing the issue. Similarly, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), voiced trust in Kennedy’s ability to “do the right thing” under Trump’s leadership.
Katie Miller, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, assured skeptics that Kennedy would advance Trump’s policies. “Mr. Kennedy has every intention of supporting President Trump’s agenda… and he will carry out the policies Americans overwhelmingly voted for,” Miller said in a statement.
However, Kennedy’s nomination has already drawn criticism from prominent pro-life voices. Former Vice President Mike Pence, through his organization Advancing American Freedom, called the selection “an abrupt departure from the pro-life record of our administration” and a cause for concern among pro-life voters.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, also expressed reservations but remained hopeful that Trump’s administration would maintain its commitment to pro-life principles. “Baseline policies set by President Trump during his first term will be reestablished,” she said, emphasizing the need for a pro-life HHS secretary.
Kennedy’s confirmation process is expected to spotlight divisions within the Republican Party over the nomination and abortion policy, a key issue for many conservative voters.
