Still working to recover. Please don't edit quite yet.

Todd Akin rape and pregnancy controversy

From Anarchopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article contains content from Wikipedia
An article on this subject has been nominated for deletion on Wikipedia:
Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/
Todd Akin rape and pregnancy controversy
Current versions of the GNU FDL article on WP may contain information useful to the improvement of this article 		WP+
NO
DEL

On August 19, 2012 Todd Akin, a Republican member of the Wikipedia:United States House of Representatives who is running for the 2012 United States Senate in Missouri, during remarks on Wikipedia:rape and Wikipedia:abortion, made the claim that women who are victims of "legitimate rape" rarely experience Wikipedia:pregnancy from rape. In the resulting furor, Akin received widespread calls to drop out of his Senate race from both Republicans and Democrats.[1] Akin apologized after making the comment, saying he misspoke, and he stated he planned to remain in the Senate race.

The word "legitimate" was used as a scare tactic by introducing an issue of relatively little importance, because it happens so infrequently: false claims of rape, into the discussion about pregnancy from rape, which happens about as often as pregnancy from unprotected sex. Akin's distance from the truth of the matter additionally led him to use this word, and into a massive uproar from those who misunderstood him to mean that rape is legitimate,[2] and those who understood what he really meant,[3] alike. And he deserves every bit of it.


The incident is seen as having an impact not only on Akin's senate race and the Republicans' chances of gaining a majority in the U.S. Senate by capturing the Missouri seat,[4] but also the upcoming Wikipedia:2012 Republican National Convention by "shift[ing] the national discussion to divisive social issues that could repel swing voters rather than economic issues that could attract them".[5]

Comments[edit]

In an August 19, 2012 interview aired on St. Louis television station Wikipedia:KTVI-TV, Wikipedia:Todd Akin, the Wikipedia:U.S. Representative for Wikipedia:Missouri's 2nd congressional district and a candidate for the Wikipedia:U.S. Senate seat held by Claire McCaskill, was asked his views on whether women who became pregnant due to Wikipedia:rape should have the option of abortion. He replied: [[Wikipedia:File:Todd Akin, official 109th Congress photo.jpg|thumb|150px|Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO)]]

Well you know, people always want to try to make that as one of those things, well how do you, how do you slice this particularly tough sort of ethical question. First of all, 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 that maybe that didn’t work or something. I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.[6]
[7]

The comment was widely characterized as misogynistic and recklessly inaccurate, with many commentators remarking on the use of the words "legitimate rape".[8][9][10] Related news articles cited a 1996 article in an obstetrics and gynecology journal, which found that 5% of women who were raped became pregnant, which equaled about 32,000 pregnancies each year in the US alone. [11] A separate 2003 article in the journal Human Nature estimated that rapes are twice as likely to result in pregnancies as consensual sex.[12] (See also Wikipedia:pregnancy from rape.)

Akin responded to the comments by first issuing a press release stating:

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.[13]

And then by airing a commercial in which he said:

Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize, As the father of two daughters, I want tough justice for predators. I have a compassionate heart for the victims of sexual assault, and I pray for them. The fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy. The truth is, rape has many victims. The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness.[14]

In relation to the resulting furor over his original "legitimate rape" comment, Akin was quoted as saying:

“I talk about one word, one sentence, one day out of place, and, all of a sudden, the entire establishment turns on you.”[15]

Background[edit]

Template:See Also

Akin's comments were believed to be based on Wikipedia:pseudoscientific claims[16] that have been rejected by reproductive health experts.[17] The current Wikipedia:scientific consensus is that rape is no less likely to lead to pregnancy than consensual intercourse.[18][19][20][21][22][23]

Opponents of abortion have claimed that women have a biological reaction to rape that makes rape victims unlikely to get pregnant. In a 1972 article, anti-abortion Dr. Wikipedia:Fred Mecklenburg argued that pregnancy is unlikely from rape because women are less likely to ovulate after trauma, an assertion for which he cited as evidence experiments in Wikipedia:Nazi death camps.[24]

Pennsylvania state Republican representative Wikipedia:Stephen Freind was one of the first legislators to make the argument that rape prevents pregnancy, claiming in 1988 that the odds of a pregnancy resulting from rape were "one in millions and millions and millions."[25][26]

Former president of the Wikipedia:National Right to Life Committee and general practitioner with obstetric training John C. Willke, said rape victims are unlikely to get pregnant in a book published in 1985 and in a 1999 article.[27] In an interview on August 20, he said this: "This is a traumatic thing - she's, shall we say, she's uptight. She is frightened, tight, and so on. And sperm, if deposited in her vagina, are less likely to be able to fertilize. The tubes are spastic." These assertions were dismissed by Dr. Michael Greene, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Wikipedia:Harvard Medical School, and Dr. David Grimes, a clinical professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the Wikipedia:University of North Carolina.[28]


In 1995, Republican Wikipedia:Henry Aldridge, a member of the Wikipedia:North Carolina House of Representatives, made the following remarks to the House Appropriations Committee during a debate to eliminate a state abortion fund for poor women: "The facts show that people who are raped - who are truly raped - the juices don't flow, the body functions don't work and they don't get pregnant. Medical authorities agree that this is a rarity, if ever."[29][30]

Akin cosponsored the Wikipedia:Sanctity of Human Life Act which would have conferred full legal personhood on embryos beginning at fertilization or cloning, as well as bills recognizing only "forcible" rape[31][32] to narrow access to federal funding for abortions.

Reactions[edit]

Akin's remarks were strongly condemned by some Republicans. Wikipedia:Mitt Romney said they were "inexcusable, insulting, and frankly, wrong."[33] and called for Akin to step down, as did Wikipedia:Paul Ryan.[34] The Wikipedia:National Republican Senatorial Committee said that “if he continues with this misguided campaign, it will be without the support and resources of the NRSC.” Republican Senate Minority Leader Wikipedia:Mitch McConnell said Akin's remarks were "totally inexcusable" and "wildly offensive". Conservative commentators Wikipedia:Sean Hannity, Wikipedia:Charles Krauthammer, and Wikipedia:Mark Levin all called for Akin to step aside, as did the editorial teams of the Wikipedia:Wall Street Journal and Wikipedia:National Review,[35] and nine sitting US Senators, along with all four former Republican Missouri Senators: Wikipedia:John Danforth, Wikipedia:Kit Bond, Wikipedia:James Talent and Wikipedia:John Ashcroft and also serving Missouri Republican Senator Wikipedia:Roy Blunt.[36][37] Fellow Republican Congressmen and Senate hopefuls Wikipedia:Jeff Flake and Wikipedia:Denny Rehberg further added their names to those calling for his resignation.[38] Republican super-pac Wikipedia:American Crossroads announced it would be cutting off all aid to Akin's candidacy.[39]

After Akin failed to show up for an interview on the Wikipedia:CNN show Wikipedia:Piers Morgan Tonight, host Wikipedia:Piers Morgan created a segment with a live shot of the empty Wikipedia:chair meant for Akin. He then proceeded to denounce Akin as "a gutless little twerp".[40]

There have been multiple calls from Republicans for him to step down as nominee. Wikipedia:The Washington Post reported a "stampede" of Republicans dissociating from Akin as part of Wikipedia:damage control, with NRSC chairman Wikipedia:John Cornyn saying the GOP would no longer provide him Senate election funding and describing Akin as "endangering Republicans’ hopes of retaking the majority in the Senate".[41] A campaign spokesman for Wikipedia:Mitt Romney and Wikipedia:Paul Ryan said both disagreed with Akin's position and would not oppose abortion in instances of rape. Ryan reportedly called Akin to advise him to step aside.[42] RNC Chairman Wikipedia:Reince Priebus warned Akin not to attend the upcoming 2012 Republican convention and said he should resign the nomination. He described Akin's comments as "biologically stupid" and "bizarre" and said that "This is not mainstream talk that he's referring to and his descriptions of whatever an illegitimate rape is. We're hoping he hears [these calls to drop out of the race]".[43][1] According to The Hill, "prominent conservative bloggers" urged Akin to drop out, while "influential conservative voices" such as Wikipedia:Erick Erickson and Wikipedia:Richard Grenell tweeted that Akin was dropping out, the latter of which was interpreted by The Hill as a way of pressuring Akin to drop out of the race.[44]

Akin has been defended by some social conservative organizations, including the Wikipedia:Family Research Council. A spokesman for the Council said that "We feel this is a case of Wikipedia:gotcha politics... We know who Todd Akin is. We've worked with him up on the hill. He's a defender of life."[45] Akin's remarks were also defended by the evangelical Christian activist Wikipedia:Kirk Cameron.[46] A representative of the Wikipedia:American Family Association cited Willke's 1999 article to argue Akin "was exactly right".[17] Pro-life theologian Wikipedia:Pia de Solenni called Akin's remarks "idiotic", but also claimed that there is "no solid data" on the question of whether rape inhibits pregnancy, and opined that it was not a "far stretch [from effects of long-term stress on fertility] to wonder if women who are raped might have a lesser rate of pregnancy resulting from the rape".[47] Robert Fleischmann, director of pro-life group Christian Life Resources, similarly argued that Akin's point was plausible but lacked data ("I have yet to see a study that demonstrates some sort of contraceptive effect from a rape. I do believe, however, it is not an unwarranted conclusion." and "Statistically speaking, it appears something happens in a rape, either with the victim or with the perpetrator, that reduces the incidence of pregnancy.").[48] In response to Republican demands that Akin resign, Wikipedia:Personhood USA spokeswoman Jennifer Mason said that Akin's position "is an integral part of the Republican Party platform, the same position that was held by President Ronald Reagan" and that "[we] are left with Reagan Republicans, who agree with the Republican Party platform on abortion, and Romney Republicans, a fringe group of liberals who compromise on human life."[49][50] Wikipedia:Mike Huckabee supported Akin by soliciting donations for his Senate campaign and accusing the "Republican establishment" of a "carefully orchestrated and systematic attack."[51]

Akin's Senate opponent, Wikipedia:Claire McCaskill, released a statement stating,

It is beyond comprehension that someone can be so ignorant about the emotional and physical trauma brought on by rape.....The ideas that Todd Akin has expressed about the serious crime of rape and the impact on its victims are offensive.

President Wikipedia:Barack Obama also responded to Akin's comments by saying "Rape is rape....And the idea that we should be parsing and qualifying and slicing what types of rape we're talking about doesn't make sense to the American people and certainly doesn't make sense to me."[52]

Akin gave two radio interviews in which he stated that he was in the race to win. On Wikipedia:The Sean Hannity Show, he stated "I was told that there is a decision has to be made by 5 o'clock tomorrow but I was calling you and letting you know that I'm announcing today that we're (staying) in."[53] On the Wikipedia:Mike Huckabee show he stated, "Rape is never legitimate... I used the wrong words in the wrong way."[54]

Political impact[edit]

Political analysts from the New York Times and the Washington Post believe that the comments have the potential to swing the Wikipedia:United States Senate election in Missouri, 2012.[55][56] Akin's comments sparked a renewed focus on the so-called Republican "Wikipedia:War on Women".[57][58][59][60] Political analysts have pointed out Akin's cosponsorship of anti-abortion bills with vice presidential candidate Ryan[61][62][63] and the Obama campaign has "attempt[ed] to link the Wisconsin lawmaker to controversial remarks Akin made about about rape."[64] Businessweek stated that the incident will draw attention to the fact that the national platform of the GOP "allow[s] no exception for terminating pregnancies caused by rape.".[65]

A national poll conducted by Wikipedia:Angus Reid Public Opinion showed that 84% of Americans disagreed with Akin's comments about "legitimate rape", and that 63% wanted him to drop out of the U.S. Senate race.[66] A poll released August 23rd by Wikipedia:Rasmussen Reports showed a steep drop in support for Akin among Missouri voters with McCaskill leading Akin in this poll by roughly 10 points in a sharp reversal of Akin's earlier lead.[67][68]

A poll released August 24th showed that Mitt Romney's previous lead over Barack Obama among Missouri voters had "vanished", with the two presidential candidates tied within the margin of error. [69]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Killough, Ashley GOP chair: Akin should drop out, skip convention. Wikipedia:CNN. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  2. ↑ http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/2012/08/what-does-todd-akin-think-legitimate-rape-is.html
  3. ↑ http://open.salon.com/blog/wqbelle/2012/08/21/rape_no_problem_women_must_have_an_orgasm_to_get_pregnant
  4. ↑ Akin Vows to Stay in Race After "Legitimate Rape" Gaffe NBC 10 Philadelphia Scott Ross Monday, Aug 20, 2012 | Updated 6:56 PM EDT
  5. ↑ Akin imbroglio is bad news for Republicans Tom Cohen, CNN updated 3:23 PM EDT, Wed August 22, 2012
  6. ↑ Jaco, Charles The Jaco Report: August 19, 2012. Fox News. URL accessed on 20 August 2012.
  7. ↑ Associated Press. Rep. Akin: Pregnancy from rape is 'really rare'. Yahoo! News. URL accessed on 27 August 2012.
  8. ↑ DiSalvo, David Republican Senate Nominee Todd Akin: Victims Of "Legitimate Rape" Don't Get Pregnant. Forbes. URL accessed on 20 August 2012.
  9. ↑ Abouhalkah, Yael T. Todd Akin's rape fantasy. Kansas City Star. URL accessed on 20 August 2012.
  10. ↑ Eligon, John. "Senate Candidate Provokes Ire With ‘Legitimate Rape’ Comment". http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/20/us/politics/todd-akin-provokes-ire-with-legitimate-rape-comment.html. Retrieved 20 August 2012. </li>
  11. ↑ Melisa M., (1996). "Rape-related pregnancy: Estimates and descriptive characteristics from a national sample of women," American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 175, 320–4; discussion 324–5. Cited in: Blake, Aaron Todd Akin, GOP Senate candidate: ‘Legitimate rape’ rarely causes pregnancy. Washington Post. URL accessed on 20 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Jonathan A., (2003). "Are per-incident rape-pregnancy rates higher than per-incident consensual pregnancy rates?," Human Nature, 14, 1–20. Cited in: Robillard, Kevin Doctors: Todd Akin pregnancy claim bogus. Politico. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  13. ↑ Akin, Todd Akin Statement on "Jaco Report" Interview. "Todd Akin for U.S. Senate 2012" campaign website. URL accessed on August 21, 2012.
  14. ↑ Akin, Todd Forgiveness. Youtube. URL accessed on August 21, 2012.
  15. ↑ Dowd, Maureen, "Just Think No", New York Times Wikipedia:op-ed, August 21, 2012. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  16. ↑ Graham, David A. Video of the Day: 'Forcible Rape' and Paul Ryan's Akin Problem. The Atlantic. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Health Experts Dismiss Assertions on Rape". The New York Times. 2012-08-21. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/us/politics/rape-assertions-are-dismissed-by-health-experts.html. Retrieved 2012-08-21. </li>
  18. ↑ Danielle Dellorto, Experts: Rape does not lower odds of pregnancy, CNN Health (22 August 2012)
  19. ↑ Sharon Begley and Susan Heavey, Rape trauma as barrier to pregnancy has no scientific basis, Reuters (20 August 2012).
  20. ↑ Belluck, Pam (20 August 2012). "Health Experts Dismiss Assertions on Rape". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/us/politics/rape-assertions-are-dismissed-by-health-experts.html?_r=1. Retrieved 21 August 2012. </li>
  21. ↑ Carroll, Linda (21 August 2012). "Doctors appalled over Rep. Akin's comments that 'legitimate rape' prevents pregnancy". NBC News. http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/20/13378579-doctors-appalled-over-rep-akins-comments-that-legitimate-rape-prevents-pregnancy?lite. Retrieved 21 August 2012. </li>
  22. ↑ Shastry, Sangeeta (20 August 2012). "Doctors dispute Akin�s claim, but some supporters say it was misunderstood". Kansas City Star. http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/20/3771226/doctors-dispute-akins-claim-but.html. Retrieved 21 August 2012. </li>
  23. ↑ Clancy, Kate (20 August 2012). "Here is Some Legitimate Science on Pregnancy and Rape". Scientific American. http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/context-and-variation/2012/08/20/here-is-some-legitimate-science-on-pregnancy-and-rape/. Retrieved 21 August 2012. </li>
  24. ↑ Townsend, Tim; Bernhard, Blythe (August 21, 2012). "Akin appears to have picked up conclusions from 1972 article now hotly disputed". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_f267f02f-c9eb-515d-9a42-201de9b92d64.html#.UDPbiGk6sjY.twitter. Retrieved 2012-08-22. </li>
  25. ↑ Kliff, Sarah (August 20, 2012). "Rep. Todd Akin is wrong about rape and pregnancy, but he's not alone". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/20/rep-todd-akin-is-wrong-about-rape-and-pregnancy-but-hes-not-alone/. Retrieved 2012-08-22. </li>
  26. ↑ "Freind admits he erred, exaggerated on rapes". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 30, 1988. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=n9RRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8m0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3152,8910888&dq=stephen+freind+one+in+millions+and+millions+and+millions&hl=en. </li>
  27. ↑ Willke, John C. Rape Pregnancies Are Rare. Life Issues Connector. Christian Life Resources. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  28. ↑ "Health Experts Dismiss Assertions on Rape". The New York Times. 2012-08-21. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/us/politics/rape-assertions-are-dismissed-by-health-experts.html. Retrieved 2012-08-21. </li>
  29. ↑ "Lawmaker Says Rape Can't Cause Pregnancy". Associated Press. San Francisco Chronicle. April 21, 1995. </li>
  30. ↑ "A Canard That Will Not Die: 'Legitimate Rape' Doesn't Cause Pregnancy". The Atlantic. 19 Aug 2012. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/08/a-canard-that-will-not-die-legitimate-rape-doesnt-cause-pregnancy/261303/. Retrieved 2012-08-21. </li>
  31. ↑ H.R. 3 -- No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (112th Congress).
  32. ↑ H.R. 358 -- Protect Life Act (112th Congress).
  33. ↑ Costa, Robert. "Romney: Akin’s Comment ‘Inexcusable’". http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/314452/romney-akins-inexcusable-comment-robert-costa. </li>
  34. ↑ Davis, Susan (August 21, 2012). "Romney calls on Akin to withdraw from Senate race". USA Today. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/todd-akin-abortion-missouri-senate-race-/1. Retrieved 2012-08-22. </li>
  35. ↑ Condon, Stephanie. "Defiant Akin says he's staying in race". http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57497287-503544/defiant-akin-says-hes-staying-in-race/. </li>
  36. ↑ Vaughn, Jason M. Romney, Blunt, Ashcroft, Bond, Danforth and Talent Call for Akin to Step Aside. Fox4kc.com. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  37. ↑ Seung Min Kim. List of senators calling on Akin to quit keeps growing. Politico. URL accessed on 2012-08-22.
  38. ↑ Camia, Catalina Romney, GOP, criticize Akin controversial comments on rape. USA Today. Azcentral.com. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  39. ↑ Henderson, Nia-Malika Todd Akin should drop out of Senate race, Romney says. The Washington Post. URL accessed on 2012-08-22.
  40. ↑ Blake, Meredith Piers Morgan calls Todd Akin a 'gutless little twerp'. Los Angeles Times. URL accessed on 2012-08-22.
  41. ↑ Nia-Malika Henderson & Paul Kane (2012-08-20). "National GOP pulls funding from Todd Akin’s Missouri race". Wikipedia:The Washington Post (Washington DC: Wikipedia:Washington Post Company). Template:citation/identifier. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/with-todd-akins-rape-comments-abortion-is-back-in-the-campaign-spotlight/2012/08/20/c497bae4-eac7-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html. Retrieved 20 August 2012. </li>
  42. ↑ Reports: Paul Ryan called Todd Akin â€” Tim Mak. Politico.Com. URL accessed on 2012-08-21.
  43. ↑ PICKET: RNC Chair wants Akin to 'step aside' and not come to convention. Washington Times. URL accessed on 2012-08-21.
  44. ↑ Jaffe, Alexandra Republicans pressure Akin to drop out. The Hill. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  45. ↑ "Leading social conservatives rally to Akin's defense". Wikipedia:CNN (CNN). 2012-08-20. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/20/leading-social-conservatives-rally-to-akins-defense/. Retrieved 21 August 2012. </li>
  46. ↑ Leora Arnowitz. Kirk Cameron defends Rep. Todd Akin 'legitimate rape' comment. Newsday. URL accessed on 2012-07-23.
  47. ↑ Pia de Solenni, "Responding To Akin: When Pro-Lifers Do The Work For Abortion Advocates", blog posting (21 August 2012).
  48. ↑ Robert Fleischmann, Rape, Pregnancy, and the Akin Controversy, Christian Life Resources (21 August 2012).
  49. ↑ Defending Todd Akin: 5 reasons right-wingers still support him. The Week. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  50. ↑ jennifer. Personhood USA calls on Romney to back Akin in support of GOP Platform. Personhood USA. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  51. ↑ Huckabee stands by Akin in embattled Senate bid. CBS News. URL accessed on 2012-08-25.
  52. ↑ Condon, Stephanie Akin apologizes for rape comments; Obama says "rape is rape". CBS News. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  53. ↑ Haberman, Maggie Akin: Seriously, I am not getting out. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  54. ↑ Todd Akin Apologizes for Rape Comments in Interview With Huckabee. THe Atlantic. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  55. ↑ Silver, Nate (August 19, 2012). "Akin Comments Could Swing Missouri Senate Race". The New York Times. http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/19/akin-comments-could-swing-missouri-senate-race/??smid=tw-nytimes. </li>
  56. ↑ Henneberger, Melinda Say goodnight, Todd Akin. Washington Post. URL accessed on 20 August 2012.
  57. ↑ Maxwell, Zerlina (August 20, 2012). "Todd Akin, Paul Ryan and the very real war on women". New York Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/the_rumble/2012/08/todd-akin-paul-ryan-and-the-very-real-war-on-women. </li>
  58. ↑ Robinson, Eugene (August 20, 2012). "Todd Akin’s comment brings ‘war on women’ back to prominence". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/eugene-robinson-todd-akin-comment-brings-war-on-women-back-to-prominence/2012/08/20/c4570fae-eafd-11e1-9ddc-340d5efb1e9c_story.html. </li>
  59. ↑ "Akin's comments reignite war on women". NBC News. August 20, 2012. http://video.msnbc.msn.com/jansing-and-co/48725939/#48725939. </li>
  60. ↑ "Despite Denials Akin’s Comments Are Part GOP War On Women". CBS. August 20, 2012. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/08/20/despite-denials-akins-comments-are-part-gop-war-on-women/. </li>
  61. ↑ Zengerle, Patricia Republicans push Akin to quit Senate race over rape comments | Reuters. In.reuters.com. URL accessed on 2012-08-21.
  62. ↑ Sargent, Greg How bad is the Ryan-Akin anti-abortion bill?. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  63. ↑ Mahtesian, Charles Akin: A damage estimate. Politico. URL accessed on 21 August 2012.
  64. ↑ Obama Hits Ryan on Bill's 'Forcible Rape' Language Christian Broadcast News. Thursday, August 23, 2012
  65. ↑ Republican Platform Panel Backs Blanket Ban on Abortion Businessweek James Rowley August 22, 2012
  66. ↑ Canseco, Mario Americans of All Political Stripes Believe Akin Should Drop Out of Senate Race. URL accessed on 23 August 2012.
  67. ↑ Rasmussen Reports (August 23rd, 2012). Election 2012: Missouri Senate. Retrieved 2012-8-23
  68. ↑ Silver, Nate (August 23rd, 2012). Voters Could Sit Out Missouri Senate RaceThe New York Times. Retrieved 2012-8-23
  69. ↑ Rasmussen Reports (August 24th, 2012). Election 2012: Missouri President. Retrieved 2012-8-25

    70. </ol>

Retrieved from "http://eng.anarchopedia.org/index.php?title=Todd_Akin_rape_and_pregnancy_controversy&oldid=54591"