by JASMINE ELSHAMY Photo/Video Editor
Representative Todd Akin of Missouri is being criticized for his comments when he was being questioned about his firm opposition to abortion even if the woman was raped on August 19 on a St. Louis TV station. “From what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare [to get pregnant from rape],” Akin said. “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 of the rapist, and not attacking the child.” Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his fellow Republicans are urging Akin to drop out of the race for Senate in Missouri, fearing that it may cost them more than simply that race. His controversial comments could cause harm for the whole political party, and make it easy for the Democrats to gain ground. “Congressman Akin’s comments on rape are insulting, inexcusable and, frankly, wrong,” Romney told the National Review.