GOP Senate candidate supported life sentences for abortions

North Dakota Rep. Rick Berg, who's running for Senate, voted to criminalize abortions for rape victims

Published September 4, 2012 7:22PM (EDT)

Rep. Rick Berg, R-N.D., who is running for Senate, once supported  a bill that would make abortion illegal, even in cases of rape or incest, and would punish it with a lifetime prison sentence. The legislation arose when Berg was serving in the state Legislature. The proposed bill did carve out an exception in cases where the life of the mother was in danger.

In a twist, Berg called Todd Akin's recent "legitimate rape" comments "insulting and reprehensible." Though, to be fair, everyone else was doing it.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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2012 Elections Abortion Rape Exceptions Rick Berg Todd Akin