Mar 19, 2025 - Politics & Policy

GOP senator hits Dr. Oz on abortion and trans rights

Stef W. Kight

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference — Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's Road to Majority conference. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) blasted Mehmet Oz's past support for abortion rights and gender-affirming surgeries for minors, calling into question his nomination to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Why it matters: Hawley's questions could raise major issues among Republicans. Oz can only afford to lost three Republican senators to win confirmation without any Democratic support.

Zoom in: "I hope he's changed his views to match President Trump! We need the Trump agenda at CMS," Hawley posted on X on Wednesday, sharing a list of questions he has for the nominee.

Hawley said he had been "reading up" on Oz and found that the nominee has "praised trans surgeries for minors and supported hormone treatments & puberty blockers for kids in the past."
Hawley's first question addresses episodes of Oz's television show featuring kids who had transitioned and a doctor who endorsed gender-affirming medical care.
Hawley also wants Oz to answer for past criticism of anti-abortion rights policies, and push him to commit to ensuring federal funds are not used for abortion, among other anti-abortion policies.

Zoom out: This comes shortly after a similar campaign by Hawley against Hilary Perkins led to her abrupt exit as chief counsel at the FDA.

Oz had his confirmation hearing in front of the Finance Committee on Friday, where he largely dodged Democratic attempts to pin him down on Medicaid cuts.

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GOP senator hits Dr. Oz on abortion and trans rights

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