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Pro-Lifers should reject RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary


The U.S. Senate has a duty to confirm presidential nominees who will faithfully execute the administration’s policies. But when a nominee’s record raises serious doubts about their commitment to key priorities, senators have an obligation to vote no. That is why pro-life senators should reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

There are many reasons to question Kennedy’s fitness for any position of authority, but the most straightforward is this: HHS wields enormous influence over policies that directly impact the pro-life movement. Kennedy, a lifelong advocate of abortion rights, cannot be trusted to advance the pro-life agenda.

RFK Jr.’s Abortion Record Is Unmistakable

Kennedy’s own words and campaign statements leave no room for doubt about where he stands. His 2023 presidential campaign website declared him “a firm supporter of the principles laid out 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade.” Even after the Supreme Court overturned Roe, he pledged to support legislation reinstating abortion rights nationwide. As recently as May 2024, Kennedy reiterated his belief that abortion decisions should be left entirely to the woman—going so far as to support abortion “even if it’s full term.”

This is not a case of someone evolving toward a more pro-life position. Kennedy has spent his career embedded in left-wing circles that view abortion as an absolute right. His record suggests he would resist efforts to roll back Biden-era policies that expanded federal support for abortion.

HHS Needs a Pro-Life Leader, Not an Opponent

Under the Biden administration, HHS has aggressively promoted abortion access, funding, and advocacy. A second Trump administration must prioritize reversing these policies. That requires an HHS secretary who is committed to:

Enforcing the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding of abortion.

Strengthening conscience protections for doctors and nurses who refuse to participate in abortions.

Reining in the FDA’s reckless approach to abortion pills like mifepristone.

Ensuring HHS cooperates with the Justice Department in enforcing existing laws that restrict abortion access.

Limiting federal research on human embryos and fetal tissue.

Kennedy’s record gives no indication that he would vigorously pursue these objectives. At best, he has made vague assurances that he would follow Trump’s policies. But carrying out a pro-life agenda requires more than passive compliance—it demands leadership and conviction.

Rejecting RFK Jr. Is Not Just About Abortion

Beyond his abortion stance, Kennedy’s long history of erratic positions and ideological inconsistency should give senators pause. He has been:

A proponent of socialized medicine, which would expand government control over health care.

An opponent of domestic energy development, aligning with radical environmentalists.

An aggressive critic of vaccines, casting doubt on public health initiatives.

An advocate for trial lawyers, pushing costly litigation against businesses and medical professionals.

While some conservatives may appreciate his skepticism of government institutions—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—this does not make him fit to lead HHS. His track record suggests he would be a loose cannon at best, an outright adversary to conservative health policies at worst.

Trump Needs a Better Nominee

The Senate’s role in confirming nominees is not simply to rubber-stamp the president’s choices. When a nominee lacks the ideological commitment or competence to execute the administration’s agenda, senators have a duty to reject them.

Trump is already benefiting from the Senate’s refusal to confirm Matt Gaetz to a cabinet position. He would likewise be better off choosing someone other than Kennedy for HHS. Pro-lifers are a core part of Trump’s coalition and should not settle for a nominee who does not share their values.

Republican senators should stand firm. RFK Jr. is the wrong choice to lead HHS. Trump can and should do better.