Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri's Republican party has doubts about President Donald Trump's selection of Dr. Mehmet Oz to direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) because of Oz's previous remarks on abortion rights as well as transgender policy.
Senator Hawley focuses on different elements from Dr. Oz's past work that give him significant concerns:
Dr. Oz invited transgender organization representatives and transgender surgery medical professionals to appear on his televised show. The minor patients he welcomed to his show discussed gender transition matters with Dr. Oz as he commended parents backing their children's gender change decisions. Dr. Oz stated that he wanted to avoid intervening against doctors who provide puberty blockers to minors.
Dr. Oz expressed opposition to fetal heartbeat regulations in 2019 by dismissing heartbeat signals as minimal cellular communication which no one should consider heart activity. Dr. Oz saw pro-life legislation establishing risks for businesses to abandon the state entirely.
Senator Hawley has issued questions to Dr. Oz about his present position on these matters. Hawley stressed that the confirmation process needed to prove Dr. Oz stood with President Trump on presidential policies which covered abortions and transgender medical therapy for youth.
Potential Impact on Confirmation
The Senate will decide Dr. Oz's nomination through a vote as he needs the support of most Republican senators against Democratic opposition. The doubt voiced by Senator Hawley shows signs of affecting Republican legislators in a way that might struggle Oz's Senate approval.
Conclusion
Dr. Oz is about to face the Senate Finance Committee review for confirmation where his previous views about abortion access and transgender rights laws are currently under evaluation. Senator Hawley's statements demonstrate how Oz could encounter difficulties in obtaining enough support required to become CMS administrator.