Anti-abortion groups are split over RFK Jr., igniting a fresh debate as Pence publicly challenges Trump’s choice. What's behind the division?

Two conservative anti-abortion groups publicly backed President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Friday, despite criticism from former Vice President Mike Pence. Pence voiced concerns over Kennedy’s stance on abortion, calling the nomination "the most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history."

 

If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee agencies with significant influence over abortion policy, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In a statement, Pence urged Senate Republicans to oppose Kennedy’s nomination, emphasizing that "millions of pro-life Americans" desire a leader committed to the "sanctity of life."

 

Terry Schilling, head of the American Principles Project, defended Kennedy, emphasizing that Trump’s administration plans to delegate abortion regulations to the states. Schilling’s organization, which opposes abortion and gender-affirming care, has pledged $18 million in support of Kennedy’s confirmation and believes Kennedy’s "Make America Healthy Again" vision aligns with conservative priorities on issues like questioning hormone therapies for transgender minors.

 

Another influential conservative group, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, also voiced apprehension over the nomination. However, the organization suggested that baseline pro-life policies established during Trump’s first term could persist regardless of the HHS head. Trump’s team downplayed concerns, confident that Kennedy’s stance on abortion won’t impede his confirmation.

 

During his campaign, Trump praised Kennedy’s health policy goals and expressed enthusiasm for his "Make America Healthy Again" platform, encouraging him to address various health issues.

 

The organization Americans United for Life expressed optimism about collaborating with Kennedy to address "the wrongs" of the previous administration. However, CEO John Mize indicated that Kennedy might need more exposure to the conservative pro-life movement, citing Kennedy's evolving abortion views during his recent presidential run.

 

Mize noted that Kennedy could reassure anti-abortion advocates by endorsing the reinstatement of FDA restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone, widely used in the U.S.