Former Vice President’s Criticism
Former Vice President Mike Pence has joined a growing number of conservatives in criticizing the Health and Human Services Department for its slow response regarding the abortion pill. He has urged Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign.
In a statement, Pence emphasized the significant role pro-life Americans played in supporting President Trump’s return to office. He expressed disappointment that RFK Jr. has not fulfilled his commitments to the pro-life movement, particularly concerning a review of mifepristone, a medication many consider essential for a pro-life administration.
The remarks were made through the Advancing American Freedom Foundation, an organization founded by Pence in 2021. He stated, “Secretary Kennedy should step aside and give President Trump the opportunity to select a new HHS Secretary who will deliver pro-life results for the American people!”
A memo from AAF criticized Kennedy for failing to review mifepristone despite previous assurances made to Republican lawmakers and attorneys general.
The criticism reflects growing frustration among Republicans and pro-life organizations regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) pace on reviewing mifepristone’s safety, which is used in at-home abortion procedures.
Major pro-life groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America have called for FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s dismissal after reports indicated that safety reviews might be delayed until after the 2026 midterms.
Although Pence may have lost some influence with Trump following their public fallout in 2021, he remains significant among evangelical Christians—an important voting bloc that disagrees with Kennedy on abortion matters.
Kennedy does have supporters who defended him against Pence’s comments on social media, labeling Pence as a “Judas” and criticizing his ties to pharmaceutical companies.
While Kennedy has expressed support for elective abortions until fetal viability, he is also known for advocating drug safety measures.
Kennedy assured Republican state attorneys general last September that an independent review of mifepristone would take place; however, conservatives claim no evidence of such an initiative has emerged.
Pledges were made but not honored; data was overlooked; safeguards were ignored. This is not how a serious regulatory agency should function. RFK Jr. must go.
