Pence Group Slams Trump's Health Pick Over Abortion Stance

Mike Pence, former Vice President under Donald Trump, hasn't left politics completely. His organization, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), is actively opposing one of Trump's Cabinet picks. They're taking aim at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , who's been nominated for Health and Human Services Secretary. The issue? Kennedy has voiced support for abortion rights in the past, a stance that AAF claims goes against the pro-life policies of Trump's first administration. AAF presented Kennedy as "pro-abortion, " highlighting the potential conflict with the administration's pro-life stance. They've sent a letter to Republican senators, urging them to reject Kennedy's nomination. This action follows Pence's earlier comment, where he called Kennedy "the most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history. " Kennedy, who ran for president as an independent, has wavered on his stance. Initially, he backed a 15-week ban on abortions but later shifted to supporting abortion rights, even late into pregnancy. He's since revised his position again. AAF's objections are significant because the HHS plays a crucial role in abortion policy. It funds women's health organizations like Planned Parenthood and regulates abortion drugs such as Mifepristone. Groups like the Heritage Foundation have advocated for stricter laws on such drugs. Despite these concerns, Trump's team has been relatively quiet about Kennedy's past remarks on abortion. This could indicate a shift in Trump's policies or an attempt to appease different factions within the Republican party.