Missouri Congressman Todd Akin has apologized for a remark found incredibly outrageous and offensive by both Republicans and Democrats. In an interview with KTVI-TV of St. Louis yesterday, the U.S. Senate candidate was asked about his view on abortion and defended his strict pro-life stance by saying: “First of all, from what I understand from doctors [pregnancy from rape] is really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Two questions, of course, have arisen from this statement: What medical process of “shut down” is Akin talking about? What the heck is a “legitimate” rape?!? Following outcry from citizens and politicians – Mitt Romney’s camp said “Congressman’s Akin comments on rape are insulting, inexcusable, and, frankly, wrong. Like millions of other Americans, we found them to be offensive.” – Akin quickly apologized and attempted to clarify: “In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it’s clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year,” he said. “I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue. But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action.” Of course, he didn’t actually answer either of the questions posed above. And now many are asking a different question of Akin: Should he drop out of the Senate race against Claire McCaskill? What do you think?
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Todd Akin Apologizes for "Legitimate Rape" Comment
