Rep. Todd Akin, the Republican Senate nominee from Missouri, outlined his opposition to abortion, even in cases of rape, by claiming that women have biological defenses which prevent them from becoming pregnant in instances of "legitimate rape," Talking Points Memo reported. 

In cases where a victim's alleged inherent contraceptive capacities fail, Akin said "punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.”

A study by the American Journal of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found the frequency of rape-related pregnancy was "significant," estimating it caused more than 32,000 unwanted pregnancies in 1996.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, the incumbent Akin is running against, said she was "stunned" by the statements.

Akin quickly issued an apology.

"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," Akin said in a statement.

He promised that, if elected, sexual trauma victims "will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve."

Read the story at TPM.

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