U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined a group of lawmakers on Mar. 31 in signing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the United States to veto Dr. Michelle Bachelet’s nomination as the next United Nations Secretary General. The letter cites concerns over Bachelet’s record on abortion and state sovereignty, noting her continued candidacy despite Chile withdrawing her nomination.
The issue is significant because the United States, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, holds veto power over the appointment of the Secretary General—a position that shapes global policy and priorities at the UN.
The letter, also signed by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and several members of Congress, argues that “Dr. Bachelet has repeatedly prioritized an extreme abortion agenda at the expense of state sovereignty.” It continues: “She is an unsuitable candidate, and the United States… should veto Dr. Bachelet’s selection.”
The lawmakers point to statements made by Ambassador Dorothy Shea in October 2025 emphasizing that “the next Secretary General should reject initiatives that fall outside [the UN] Charter’s founding purpose, prioritize accountability and transparency, and respect state sovereignty.” The letter criticizes Bachelet for responding to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision with an official statement calling it “a major setback,” “a huge blow to women’s human rights,” and claiming it “strips autonomy” from women.
Further objections are raised regarding her tenure at OHCHR where she stated in a speech that “[r]estrictive abortion laws and practical barriers pose a threat to human rights…” The signatories argue these views contradict international agreements like the Geneva Consensus Declaration which affirms there is no international right to abortion.
Young has served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps before his political career according to his official website. He lives with his wife Jenny and their four children in Johnson County, Indiana according to his official website. Young graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy and holds advanced degrees including an MBA from University of Chicago according to his official website.
Young supports constituents through community engagement across offices located in Indianapolis, New Albany, Fort Wayne, Valparaiso, and Washington according to his official website. He serves on committees overseeing finance; commerce science & transportation; small business & entrepreneurship; intelligence; promotes conservative policies for economic growth & national security; and has secured legislation improving health care access for veterans according to his official website.
Concluding their message about Dr. Bachelet’s candidacy for UNSG, Young said: “Dr. Bachelet’s resume reveals a pro-abortion zealot intent on using political authority to override state sovereignty in favor of extreme agendas… She has demonstrated that she is not a candidate who will respect state sovereignty.” The lawmakers urge use of U.S. veto power so “the role [is preserved] for a more qualified candidate.”
Broader implications may arise as this debate reflects ongoing divisions within international organizations regarding social policy priorities such as reproductive rights versus national governance.
