• Mike Pence's Advancing American Freedom urges rejection of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary.
• The group cites concerns over Kennedy's past support for abortion access.
• RFK Jr.'s nomination raises questions given his controversial views on vaccines and public health.
• Confirmation hearings are anticipated to take place in late January.
• Responses from both Republican and Democratic senators indicate a divided opinion on Kennedy's nomination.

A conservative organization led by former Vice President Mike Pence is intensifying its efforts to persuade Republican lawmakers to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), primarily due to his previous support for abortion rights. The campaign by Advancing American Freedom (AAF) aims to rally support against Kennedy, asserting that he does not align with their pro-life values.

In a formal letter addressed to U.S. senators, AAF expressed skepticism about Kennedy's sincerity in his recent overtures to pro-life leaders, stating, "There is little reason for confidence at this time." The organization emphasized the importance of appointing an HHS secretary committed to protecting unborn lives, given that the department plays a crucial role in decisions related to abortion policy, including federal funding for Planned Parenthood and regulations surrounding the abortion pill.

Kennedy's nomination has stirred controversy, not only among social conservatives but also among public health officials. His reputation has been marred by the propagation of vaccine skepticism and conspiracy theories, prompting criticism from both sides of the political aisle. However, the focus of Pence's organization is primarily on Kennedy's past remarks, which endorse unrestricted access to abortion until certain gestational points.

Pence, who has been a fierce critic of some of Kennedy's views, voiced his opposition in a statement back in November. He remarked, "I believe the nomination of RFK Jr. to serve as Secretary of HHS is an abrupt departure from the pro-life record of our administration and should be deeply concerning to millions of Pro-Life Americans who have supported the Republican Party." This sentiment echoes across several factions of the Republican Party as they navigate their positions in the wake of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

As the confirmation hearings are set for the last week of January, the political landscape surrounding Kennedy's nomination remains contentious. Pence’s AAF organization is preparing to leverage its influence to sway Republican senators, despite mixed responses from within the party. As noted by AAF leadership in their letter, the decisions made by HHS could have lasting implications on abortion policy and public health initiatives.

Kennedy's fluctuating positions on abortion, from supporting access at various points in gestation to allowing restrictions, add another layer of complexity as he seeks to solidify his candidacy amidst mounting scrutiny.

For further details on this ongoing story, you can read more from USA Today and HuffPost.