Former Vice President Mike Pence has voiced opposition against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The main reason appears to hinge on Kennedy’s stance on abortion.
Pence, a well-documented conservative Republican, has for years been rigidly anti-abortion. This makes Kennedy, who supports the right to choose, a problematic pick in his view. Moreover, Pence believes that the person in charge of HHS, due to the vast scope of its responsibilities regarding health matters, should have a conservative perspective when it comes to abortion.
Critically, the issue of abortion is a sensitive and important subject that can greatly affect the public’s perception of those who are nominated and approved for important roles such as the HHS secretary. While each individual is entitled to their opinion, the values of important figures will unavoidably influence the policies they advocate for and implement.
Pence’s stand against Kennedy’s nomination does not come as a surprise given their opposing views on this very polarizing issue. However, it’s ultimately up to the Senate to approve or reject Kennedy’s nomination, keeping in mind how the decision could impact the US healthcare system and citizens in general.
