(NewsNation) — A former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention faults the federal government for recommending that pregnant women take mRNA vaccines during the COVID pandemic.

Dr. Robert Redfield, who headed the CDC during the pandemic, joined "Katie Pavlich Tonight" to comment on revived discussion about whether the vaccine can cause miscarriages in women early in their pregnancy.

He said he hasn't seen data establishing a link but said it made no sense to recommend the vaccine to expectant mothers.

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"I never thought we should vaccinate pregnant women. I was not in favor of that policy recommendation because the COVID vaccine did not prevent infection," Redfield said Tuesday.

"The only thing the vaccine really accomplished, which was important, was it prevented serious illness and death in people that were at high risk for serious illness and death, and those are people largely over the age of 65. … Obviously, that doesn't include the pregnant women population."

Senate Republicans have released text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert during COVID, that they say shows Fauci withholding information about vaccine risks to pregnant women while publicly advocating another position.

Redfield said the texts indicate that a transparent discussion was lacking during the pandemic. He said he understands how a woman who miscarried after getting vaccinated for COVID may have questions today.

COVID-19 vaccinations were rolled out on an emergency basis, with manufacturers granted immunity from prospective lawsuits. Redfield said he hopes liabilities against manufacturers will be lifted, perhaps with financial caps.

mRNA, or messenger RNA, vaccines are different from traditional vaccines. The CDC now says pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider.

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