Akin Fallout: Patch Coverage of 'Legitimate Rape' Comment
A round-up of reaction stories and news updates since this story exploded on Sunday.
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U.S. Rep. Todd Akin's comments on Sunday to FOX2's Charles Jaco suggesting that victims of "legitimate rape" have a built-in defense against pregancy have dominated the national political conversation in the past day and a half.
Patch readers have chimed in with a robust discussion over Akin's remarks on the first item we posted about the controversy — and discussion that's still running, so it's not too late to join in.
Here's a round-up of coverage from Patch editors — and Patch readers who have chimed in with blog posts in our Local Voices section.Â
Should Akin Stay In The Senate Race? Poll Shows Division Among Missouri Republicans
While Republicans nationally question if Rep. Todd Akin's U.S. Senate campaign can survive, an unscientific poll of Missouri GOP insiders finds his controversial remarks about rape and pregnancy will hurt his standing with conservative voters.
McCaskill: Rape Comment 'Window Into Akin's Mind'
Claire McCaskill appeared on MSNBC Monday to discuss Todd Akin's comment on 'legitimate rape,' which she calls a 'gut-check' for Missourians.
Todd Akin Staying In The Senate Race Despite Rape Remark: 'I'm Not a Quitter'
The Wildwood Republican told Mike Huckabee's national radio program Monday afternoon he will not step down as the Missouri GOP's nominee despite firestorm over weekend comments about "legitimate rape."
Does 'Legitimate Rape' Really Inhibit Pregnancy?
U.S. Rep. Todd Akin's Sunday comments about "legitimate rape" prompt questions about definitions of rape—such as forcible/assault rape versus date rape and statutory rape—as well as whether females can get pregnant in all incidences of rape.
Rep. Todd Akin On Hot Seat Over 'Legitimate Rape' Comment in FOX2 Interview
In the interview with Charles Jaco, the Senate candidate said "legitimate rape" would not cause pregnancy. Late Sunday night, the Romney-Ryan campaign weighed in.
LOCAL VOICES: Blog posts by our readers
Karl Frank Jr.:Â Excuse Me Paul Ryan and Todd Akin, Was Josef Fritzl a Legitimate Rapist or an Illegitimate Rapist?
Unless you have the mindset of a stone age tool-maker, rape doesn't need a qualifier or new definition. Rape is rape. Period.
Mark Cockson:Â 'Legitimate Rape' Todd Akin Comment Rekindles Trail of Tears Pain
Representative Todd Akin's Sunday comment takes this blogger back to 175 year old bit of forgotten Missouri history.
Planned Parenthood: "Akin Made Medically, Factually Inaccurate Statement About Pregnancies and Rape"
The leading provider, educator and protector for reproductive health care in the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri for 80 years issues a definite response to Todd Akin's Sunday comments about "legitimate" rape.
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Dino McDonnell
7:54 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
If Todd Akin does not step down from the Senate race, he will bring down the entire Republican ticket here in Missouri and possibly the nation. His mistake has national implications and I hope the national republican party puts enormous pressure on him to step down before today’s deadline. He will never be able to recover from this fatal error. This was a trick question and all he had to do is say so and move on to the next question. He should have known better. If this would have come out before the primary, he would not be the candidate today.
LORRAINE
10:57 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I don't doubt Akin is a dedicated public servant trying to carry out what he feels is the best for Missouri. However, he is an embarrassment to Missouri. He will not be effective for us in Washington anymore, having lost all credibility. The very alarming thing is that he serves on the House Committee on Science! I am a very educated health care professional of 30 years and call tell you, no doctor believes the female body knows how to discriminate where the sperm entering her body is from. He should resign.
Jane
11:30 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
No doctor? This one does, granted, there are caveats, the major one being former president of NRLC:
Dr. John C. Willke, a general practitioner with obstetric training and a former president of the National Right to Life Committee, was an early proponent of this view, articulating it in a book originally published in 1985 and again in a 1999 article. He reiterated it in an interview Monday.
“This is a traumatic thing — she’s, shall we say, she’s uptight,” Dr. Willke said of a woman being raped, adding, “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.”
LORRAINE
12:05 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Thank you, Jane, for your information. It sounds like it is his viewpoint and not evidence-based. It would be interesting to know if he cites any credible research in his book or article.
Tony Caruso
4:11 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Akins just publicly said what most of the old men in power already support, the oppression of women and free thinking in general.
margie summers
8:40 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
My take on this: Rape is Not About Semantics.
http://msum865048.blogspot.com/