Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has presented an evolving stance on abortion, contrasting with the views of many in the current administration.
During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 29th, Kennedy clarified his position, stating he would implement President Trump’s abortion policies.
Here’s a look at Kennedy’s past and present views on abortion.
Kennedy’s Past Statements on Abortion
Historically a proponent of reproductive rights, Kennedy, a former Democrat, previously supported a woman’s right to choose, even extending this to later-term pregnancies, while acknowledging each abortion as a “tragedy”. He later clarified his position, suggesting support for abortion restrictions after fetal viability.
In a subsequent statement, he elaborated on his evolving perspective on late-term abortions, acknowledging instances of elective procedures which caused him concern. He indicated a belief that viable fetuses merit protection.
In a June Facebook post, he further refined his stance, stating that while he initially believed late-term abortions were primarily justified by life-threatening situations or fatal fetal conditions, he learned that wasn’t always the case. He expressed discomfort with elective late-term abortions and stressed the need for fetal protection after viability.
His Current Stance on Abortion
At the confirmation hearing, Kennedy aligned himself with President Trump’s views, repeatedly stating that every abortion is a tragedy and that state control over abortion is necessary.
These statements reflect Kennedy’s shift in position to appeal to Trump’s anti-abortion base.
Several Democratic senators highlighted this change during the hearing, with Senator Sanders noting the rapid shift in Kennedy’s stance.
Senator Cortez Masto questioned whether a pregnant woman facing a life-threatening situation should receive emergency abortion care, even in a state with abortion bans. Kennedy’s uncertain response underscored the complexities of his evolving position.
A Clash with Conservatives and Shifting Positions
Kennedy’s evolving abortion views have clashed with more conservative Republicans who have enacted abortion bans in thirteen states. The anti-abortion agenda promoted by President Trump includes ending access to abortion medication, a primary method of abortion in the U.S.
Concerns over this policy have led some providers to decrease their requests for such medication.
Kennedy indicated that he would also defer to President Trump on the regulation of abortion medication, despite its FDA approval for safety and efficacy. He committed to implementing whatever policies President Trump decided upon.