Is this the world my unborn daughter is coming into; elected officials driven to redefine the term rape, while at the same time debating the legitimacy of assaulting women?
STORY: Congressman Todd Akin Says Rape Victims Have ‘Ways To Try To Shut That Whole Thing Down
Sometimes I cringe when I think about the life my daughter will have to endure when it comes to her health.
When it comes to abortion, conservative Republicans want to save the unborn while still in the womb, but after it’s born they don’t want anything to do with it.
Which brings us to Missouri Congressman Todd Akin, who not only made me afraid for my own daughter, but women everywhere.
In an interview with KTVI-TV on Sunday, the GOP Senate nominee was asked if he supported abortion in the case of rape. Here’s what he said:
“From what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare…If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume maybe that didn’t work or something. I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist.”
First Akin issued a statement saying he “misspoke:”
“As a member of Congress, I believe that working to protect the most vulnerable in our society is one of my most important responsibilities, and that includes protecting both the unborn and victims of sexual assault. 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.
Those who perpetrate these crimes are the lowest of the low in our society and their victims will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve.
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.”
Then Akin eventually apologized for his insensitive comments, telling former Ark. Gov., Mike Huckabee on his radio show:
“I made that statement in error. Rape is never legitimate. It is an evil act…I used the wrong words in the wrong way. I don’t know I’m the only person in public office that suffered from foot-in-mouth disease here. I’m not a quitter.”
Akin may have apologized, but his comments go a long way considering he and Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan co-sponsored a bill in an attempt to force women to carry their baby – even in cases of rape.
The bill, “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” wanted to redefine rape as “forcible rape,” which is redundant in and of itself.
Both Ryan and Akin apparently have abortion and rape on the brain, and what’s scary is that people actually voted for them. If elected to office alongside Romney, Ryan would be a heartbeat away from becoming the next President of the United States.
A couple things troubled me about Akin’s comments. One, he says he spoke to doctors about rape. What doctor did he speak with, Dr. Kevorkian?
Second, I hate when men speak on women’s health. Akin said:
“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”
Because apparently he knows a woman’s body better than they do?
It’s always curious when Pro-Life advocates leave the woman out of the equation. Akin wants to punish the rapist and not the child, but what about the mother? It always seems the women have no say in what they can do to their bodies.
The true litmus test would be if (God forbid) Akin’s sister or daughter were raped; what will he do then? I know absolutely nothing, because it’ll be their decision and not his.
Shaka Griffith is the News/Politics Editor of GlobalGrind.com Follow him on Twitter and send your thoughts, rants and outburst to @Darealshaka
