Richard Mourdock on Abortion

No exception for rape; only for maternal life

Mourdock, who appeared to choke back tears as he spoke, said the only exception he could support was if the mother's life was in danger. "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen," Mourdock said. His words drew immediate shocked reaction, [including] Romney's campaign: "Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock's comments, and they do not reflect his views." Indiana Right to Life Political Action Committee's also stood by its endorsement of Mourdock.

No exception for rape, but God doesn't want people raped

Donnelly commented after the debate, "I don't know any God who would ever intend something like that," he said of rape. "It is an unspeakable crime."

But Mourdock's position is reflected in the Republican Party's national platform adopted at their convention this year. In fact, it opposed abortion and made no mention of any exceptions of any kind

God at work when rape leads to pregnancy

He replied: "I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that's something God intended to happen."

In response to Mourdock's comment, Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly said after the debate that he doesn't believe "my God, or any God, would intend that to happen."

Government should not have a role in reproductive services

In his closing comments, Mourdock said, "As you've heard tonight, we have differences." Not many. Unlike the almost daily accusations and rebuttals between their campaigns, Mourdock and Lugar were mostly on the same page during their only debate in advance of the May 8 Republican primary election.

I am a pro-life candidate

A: I am a pro-life candidate.

Roe v. Wade is a serious misreading of the Constitution

Richard Mourdock is strongly pro-life and believes that Roe v. Wade represents a serious misreading of the original intent of those who established our Constitution.