Let’s use “legitimate rape” comment as a learning opportunity

[Omaha Steve]

http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/2012/08/21/lets-use-legitimate-rape-comment-as-a-learning-opportunity/

Published Tuesday August 21, 2012
By Lindsay Novak

Although it’s suggested sex and politics not be discussed at the dinner table, the combined topic seems to be gaining public attention.

Missouri Congressman Todd Akin’s comments have stirred a fury among both men and women. In response to his position on rape and abortion, he was quoted saying, “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try and shut that whole thing down.”

He’s not the only politician to make a verbally challenged mistake about rape. In 2011, Kansas state Rep. Pete DeGraaf got heat for his comment about a bill prohibiting health insurance plans from covering abortions, including when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

DeGraaf suggested women should “plan ahead” by buying a separate policy that covers abortion. When asked to explain how women are supposed to ‘plan ahead’ for issues over which they have no control, DeGraaf was quoted saying, “I have a spare tire on my car. I also have life insurance. I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for.”

FULL story at link.