Shortly after sparking a firestorm of controversy for suggesting that rape victims rarely become pregnant, Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin (R) released an ad Tuesday asking Missouri voters to forgive him.
“Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize,” Akin said, looking directly into the camera. “I ask for your forgiveness.”
During an interview with a local television affiliate that aired Sunday, Akin defended his opposition to providing abortion for “legitimate” rape victims by suggesting that the female body “has ways to shut that whole thing down” to avoid pregnancy.
In the new thirty second ad, Akin acknowledges that his statement was not factual.
“The fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy,” Akin said.
Akin, a member of the House who serves on the House Budget Committee as well as the House Science and Technology Committee, is currently running against sitting Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).
The Congressman has received pressure to drop his campaign, including a promise from the National Republican Senatorial Committee to remove funding if he stays in the race and public calls from Senators Scott Brown and Ron Johnson. He has until 5pm Tuesday to step down.
