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Congressman Todd Akin seeks 'forgiveness' for rape gaffe | |
(40 minutes later) | |
Embattled US congressman Todd Akin, who caused uproar by claiming women's bodies could prevent pregnancy in cases of rape, has asked for forgiveness. | |
His video appeal is an apparent last-ditch bid to defuse the furore over his remarks, as fellow Republicans demand the Senate candidate for Missouri quit. | |
"Fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy," the sixth-term lawmaker said. | |
Mr Akin has until 17:00 local time (22:00 GMT) on Tuesday under Missouri law to withdraw his candidacy. | |
Correspondents say Republicans fear the backlash over his gaffe could endanger their plan to win control of the US Senate in November's elections. | |
'Evil act' | 'Evil act' |
Last week Mr Akin had a comfortable lead in opinion polls over incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill in the Midwestern state of Missouri, which has leaned increasingly conservative in recent years. | |
Then on Sunday, he was asked by local news station KTVI-TV about his no-exceptions view on abortion. | |
The 65-year-old congressman replied: "It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that is really rare. | |
"If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down." | "If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down." |
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said Mr Akin's claim "contradicts basic biological truths". | |
He went on two conservative radio shows on Monday and resisted calls from prominent Republicans to drop out of the race. | |
In a face-to-face video message on Tuesday, Mr Akin said: "Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way, and for that I apologise. | |
He added: "The truth is, rape has many victims. The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness." | |
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, swiftly distanced themselves from Mr Akin. | |
'Gutless little twerp' | |
Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, said the Missouri congressman's remarks might "prevent him from effectively representing" the party. | |
He said Mr Akin should "take time with his family" to consider his candidacy. | |
The National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee has reportedly told Mr Akin that $5m (£3.2m) in advertising set aside for Missouri would now be spent elsewhere. | |
The Karl Rove-backed Crossroads organisation also pulled its ads from Missouri. | The Karl Rove-backed Crossroads organisation also pulled its ads from Missouri. |
President Barack Obama also criticised Mr Akin on Monday, saying "rape is rape". | |
But Senator McCaskill, whose campaign appears reinvigorated by the fallout from her Republican challenger's slip-up, did not join calls for him to stand aside. | |
She said Republicans were trying to "kick sand in the face" of their party's voters in Missouri who selected Mr Akin this month as their candidate. | |
On Monday evening, CNN television host Piers Morgan labelled Mr Akin a "gutless little twerp" for pulling out of an appearance on his show. |