Joe Walsh: Abortion never saves a woman's life

The Tea Party Republican says it is never medically necessary

Published October 19, 2012 12:49PM (EDT)

 Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill.      (Facebook/Joe Walsh for Congress)
Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill. (Facebook/Joe Walsh for Congress)

Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., said a debate last night that he is against abortion "without exception," even in cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is in danger. When asked by reporters if he means that it's never medically necessary to save a pregnant woman's life, Walsh said "absolutely."

“With modern technology and science, you can't find one instance,” he said. “... There is no such exception as life of the mother, and as far as health of the mother, same thing.”

Walsh, who is running for reelection, was quoted by WGN Radio after a debate with Democrat Tammy Duckworth. Walsh's theory about medical technology is something that anti-choice doctors have been arguing for some time, including before a recent House subcommittee over D.C.'s proposed ban of abortions after 20 weeks.

Michael Greene, a professor at Harvard Medical School, told Salon that this argument is "blatantly false."

 

 


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.

MORE FROM Jillian Rayfield


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Abortion Illinois Joe Walsh Rape Exceptions Tammy Duckworth