Former Vice President Mike Pence on Friday called on Republicans to oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to be health secretary, saying the pick is an “abrupt departure” from the pro-life values the GOP has traditionally defended.

President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced his choice of Mr. Kennedy to head the Health and Human Services Department, rewarding the maverick politician for his support during the campaign.

Mr. Pence, who served with Mr. Trump in his first administration but has since split with his boss, said Mr. Kennedy is “pro-abortion,” adding that’s a problem for the head of a department that helps steer federal policy on abortion.

“For the majority of his career, RFK Jr. has defended abortion on demand during all nine months of pregnancy, supports overturning the Dobbs decision and has called for legislation to codify Roe v. Wade,” Mr. Pence said in a statement.

He urged Senate Republicans to hold out for a pro-life pick.

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.