Speak Out: What Do You Think of the GOP Abortion Stance?

A GOP committee has adopted a convention platform that calls for a constitutional ban on abortion, though without specifically addressing exceptions for victims of rape or incest. The platform will come up for a vote at the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Monday. 

Germantown has been a focal point for the broader abortion debate ever since the arrival of Dr. LeRoy Carhart, who openly performs late-term abortions at . His presence sparked numerous protests from activists on either side of the debate and has made national headlines. 

Campaigners for Germantown’s U.S. congressional district race recently got pulled into the discussion, with John Delaney, a Democrat, calling on Republican incumbent Rep. Roscoe Bartlett to denounce Missouri Republican Rep. Todd Akin’s comment about abortion and rape. 

According to The Huffington Post, Akin said:

"From what I understand from doctors, that's really rare," said Akin said of pregnancy caused by rape. "If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let's assume maybe that didn't work or something. I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist." 

Delaney also claimed that Bartlett and Akin had co-sponsored legislation that would ban abortion in cases of rape or incest.

Barttlett, who has a doctorate in human physiology, told The Baltimore Sun that he’s known Akin for more than 10 years and considered him a friend, but said Akin’s comments were “offensive and wrong”:

“There is no room in politics for these types of statements,” the Western Maryland Republican said in a statement Tuesday. “As a human physiologist I know there is no scientific backing to Todd’s claims.”

As for the GOP committee’s decision, the stance syncs with the GOP’s prior position on abortion. The discussion comes as Republicans attempt to contain fallout from Akin’s comments.

But unaddressed are whether there should be exceptions for victims of rape or incest.

Readers, what do you think of the GOP plank? Please post your comments below.