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The Republican Party’s national convention opens Monday in Tampa, Florida. Republican delegates will officially nominate former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as the party’s candidate for president. Democratic Party delegates will gather in Charlotte, North Carolina the following week to nominate President Barack Obama for a second term. This week, a Republican lawmaker’s comments pushed the debate about abortion to the center of the election campaign. Missouri Congressman Todd Akin is a candidate for the United States Senate. A reporter asked him to explain his opposition to the operation, even in cases of rape. Mr. Akin said it was his understanding from doctors that rape victims rarely get pregnant. He said that, in the case of what he called “legitimate rape,” the female body has ways to stop a pregnancy. And he said the rapist should be punished, not the child resulting from the attack. His comments were widely criticized by both Democrats and Republicans. Many described them as “insensitive.” President Obama and Mr. Romney were quick to condemn the statements. OBAMA: “The views expressed were offensive. Rape is rape.” ROMNEY: “His comments about rape were deeply offensive. And I can’t defend what he said. I can’t defend him.” Congressman Akin has apologized. He even approved a political advertisement asking for forgiveness. AKIN: “Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way, and for that I apologize.” | 
