Former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, has urged the U.S. Senate to reject the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health. Pence, a prominent figure of the evangelical right and estranged from Donald Trump, argued against the nomination citing Kennedy Jr.'s pro-abortion stances.
In a statement, Pence pointed out that Kennedy Jr.'s positions on abortion conflict with the pro-life principles that are fundamental to the Republican Party. He urged Republican senators to reject the nomination and to ensure that the next Secretary of Health is someone who respects prenatal life.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known as RFK Jr., has had a career marked by changing positions regarding abortion. During his periods as an independent and Democratic candidate, he has expressed different opinions on abortion regulation, which has created controversy.
Pence's influence, backed by the pro-life base and evangelicals, could be decisive in the Senate's decision on Kennedy Jr.'s nomination. The latter would need to secure a simple majority of 50 votes in a Republican-majority Senate, which limits the margin for defections.
Kennedy Jr., known for spreading conspiracy theories about vaccines and questioning public health recommendations, has faced criticism from various sectors. His confirmation in the Senate, where there will be 53 Republican seats, raises uncertainty given the controversy his candidacy has generated.
