Robert F. Kennedy's nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has led to renewed questions over his stance on vaccines.

Vaccines aren't the only focus of concern, however, as this week saw Kennedy asked under oath about his views regarding abortion. 

Kennedy: "Every abortion is a tragedy"

According to Fox News, the matter was raised by Democrat senators as the nominee testified before lawmakers on Wednesday.

"I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy," Kennedy was quoted as telling members of the Senate Finance Committee.

"I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy."

During his Senate confirmation hearing, RFK Jr. says that, despite his previous statements, he now agrees with President Trump on abortion. pic.twitter.com/NZi7QcMZRY

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"I agree with him that we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year. I agree with him that the states should control abortion," Kennedy continued.

"President Trump has told me that he wants to end late-term abortions, and he wants to protect conscience exemptions," the nominee stressed.

Democrat accuses nominee of "selling out" his values

Kennedy went on to point out how as HHS secretary, he will "serve at the pleasure of the president" and pledged to implement the administration's policies.

Kennedy's remarks were not well received by New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, who claimed to be suffering from confusion.

"Mr. Kennedy, I’m confused. You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values," Hassan declared. "The question is, do you stand for that value or not?"

"When was it that you decided to sell out the values you have had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?" she demanded.

Fox News noted that Kennedy and Trump have expressed a variety of positions regarding abortion, with both having voiced support for it in years past.

Kennedy: Late-term abortion is "basically killing a child"

Fox News reported in May of last year that Kennedy told podcast host Sage Steele, "I don't trust government to have jurisdiction over people's bodies."

"I think we need to leave it to the woman, her pastor and to, you know, her spiritual advisors or physician, whatever, to make those decisions," he added.

However, the network observed that Kennedy later clarified that he supports restrictions on late-term abortion, telling conservative comedians Shane Gillis and Matt McCusker, "In the ninth month, you're basically killing a child."