Republican Rep. Joe Walsh seems to be taking a page from colleague Rep. Todd Akin’s playbook.
Following a debate with his Democratic opponent Tammy Duckworth, Walsh told reporters that “modern technology and science” make it unnecessary to make exceptions for the health of the mother when deciding on abortion.
The Illinois congressman said during the debate that he was against all abortion, including exceptions sometimes made by conservatives in cases of rape, incest, or in which the health of the mother is at risk.
The Chicago Tribunereported that Walsh reaffirmed that statement in a follow-up with reporters.
Walsh said he was against abortion “without exception,” including rape, incest and in cases in which the life or health of the mother was in jeopardy.
Asked by reporters after the debate if he was saying that it’s never medically necessary to conduct an abortion to save the life of a mother, Walsh responded, “Absolutely.”
Walsh called the exception for the health of the mother a “tool,” describing it as an abused loophole.
The pair also clashed over Medicare and health care and Duckworth’s military record.
Akin’s senate campaign against incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill fell into difficulties after his remarks on “legitimate rape,” and abortion.
Rose Gordon Sala