CLUW on Lawmaker’s Rape Remarks: “One More Example of the War on Women”

by Pablo Ros  |  August 22, 2012

The Coalition of Labor Union Women expressed outrage Tuesday at the “sexist and demeaning” remarks of Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri, calling them “one more example of the war on women.”

“We are deeply offended by Congressman Akin’s remarks,” said CLUW Pres. Karen J. See, “but let’s use this as a galvanizing moment to push for increased voter registration, particularly among young women and let’s encourage union women to run for office so we have a progressive voice supporting and defending our concerns in the halls of Congress and in the States.”

Akin, a tea party-backed candidate from the state’s 2nd district, caused controversy on Sunday when he said in a television interview that in instances of “legitimate rape” a woman’s body could somehow block an unwanted pregnancy. He has received calls to abandon his Senate race against incumbent Claire McCaskill by many in his party, including Presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

In a press release, CLUW said the war on women is fought on many fronts: against those who would limit a woman’s right to obtain contraceptives through employer-sponsored health plans, for example, or the failure of Congress to pass the Violence Against Women Act.

CLUW is a national membership organization based in Washington, DC, whose primary mission is to mobilize union women around common concerns.