Richard Mourdock and the Damage Done

Richard Mourdock made some controversial comments about rape and pregnancy on a Tuesday night debate.

Richard Mourdock is a Republican and the treasurer of Indiana. During a debate on Tuesday night he made a comment about rape that sparked a lot of controversy amongst the Democratic party.

"You know, this is that issue that every candidate for federal or even state offices faces. And I have to certainly stand for life. I know that there are some who disagree, and I respect their point of view. But I believe that life begins at conception. The exception I have to have on abortion is in that case-- of the life of the mother. I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize life is that gift from God. And I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that is something God intended to happen."

Above is the complete statement made by Mourdock. Democrats immediately accused him of saying that God intends for rape to happen. Some Republicans defended their party member, calling the Democrats accusations "ridiculous" while others called on him to apologize. "Richard and I,  along with millions of Americans-- including even Joe Donnelly-- believe that life is a gift from God. To try and construe his words as anything other than a restatement of that belief is irresponsible and ridiculous

Mourdock attempted to clarify his comments, stating, "God creates life, and that was my point."

Governor Mitt Romney immediately disavowed Mourdock's comments. This is very inconvenient for the Romney campaign because Governor Romney was featured in an ad for Mourdock that was released this week. "Governor Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock's comments, and they do not reflect his views," stated Romney spokeswoman, Andrea Saul.

In the past, the presidential candidate has been criticized for his stance on abortion. President Obama has also made a statement about Mourdock's comments.

"This is a reminder that a Republican Congress working with a Republican president Mitt Romney would (feel) that women should not be able to make choices about their own health care," stated President Obama.

My source was the Washington Post. This article was originally posted on October 24, 2012 and was written by Aaron Blake. This article was unbiased and very informative.