Bremberg told Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) that he accepted "reproductive rights" as outlined in two international documents-the 1995 Beijing Conference Strategic Objective, and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development-as "important rights."
However, he added that the language in those international documents does not include promotion of abortion as a method of family planning.
When pressed by Menendez on proposed funding cuts to refugee assistance at a time when more than 70 million people have been displaced from their homes, Bremberg responded that "we need to see other countries step up and do their fair share" in refugee resettlement.
When pressed again by Menendez on his views on access to abortions for survivors of rape, Bremberg said that "I am pro-life, I believe that all human life is sacred, and that human life begins at conception."
"So when you're raped, a woman has no rights?" Menendez responded. Bremberg said that "suggestion" was "horrific," and later clarified that "any suggestion that I do not have care for victims of rape, I find horrendous. I have family members that were raped, Senator."
"Well-and I am deeply sorry. But-" Menendez responded, before Bremberg interrupted and said he accepted the apology.
"I am not apologizing," Menendez retorted before telling Bremberg, "You should apologize to the women who are raped, who you say have to live with the rape."
Planned Parenthood Action tweeted its disapproval of Bremberg's confirmation on Tuesday, saying that Bremberg "has the power to erode the rights of women, LGBTQ people, & immigrants around the world."
In his statement to the committee at his confirmation hearing, Bremberg criticized the UN Human Rights Council for not speaking out on certain human rights problemss such as China using its position on the council to pressure members not to attend an event on its treatment of Uyghurs. He stated his intent to work "to protect US sovereignty and the broader world order we have fought so hard to create."
Bremberg has attended Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. He was for a time the top health policy expert at the Mitre Corporation, Politico has reported.
Matt Hadro was the political editor at Catholic News Agency through October 2021. He previously worked as CNA senior D.C. correspondent and as a press secretary for U.S. Congressman Chris Smith.