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How did Todd Akin die? Ex-US rep, notorious for 'legitimate rape' remark, dead at 74

Todd Akin once said that 'women’s bodies have a way of avoiding pregnancies in cases of legitimate rape'

Former US rep, Todd Akin, whose "legitimate rape" comment had sunk his bid for the US Senate died late Sunday, October 3. He was 74 years old. The conservative Missouri Republican once said that 'women’s bodies have a way of avoiding pregnancies in cases of legitimate rape'. 

Akin, who battled cancer for several years, died at his home in Wildwood, a St Louis suburb. His son, Perry said in a statement, "As my father’s death approached, we had people from all different walks of life share story after story of the personal impact he had on them." He added, "He was a devout Christian, a great father, and a friend to many. We cherish many fond memories from him driving the tractor at our annual hayride, to his riveting delivery of the freedom story at 4th of July parties dressed in the full uniform of a colonial minuteman. The family is thankful for his legacy: a man with a servant’s heart who stood for truth."

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Akin represented a Republican-leaning eastern Missouri district for 12 years. Akin, who was a strong abortion opponent was asked during an interview whether he supported allowing abortions for women who have been raped. He said that "from what I understand from doctors" that such pregnancies are "really rare, " and added, "If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down." He faced a lot of backlash for his comment.

Trolls tear apart Todd Akin

The reactions to the news of Todd Akin's demise were scathing. Trolls remembering his 'legitimate rape' comment, posted tweets like, "Todd Akin, the guy who invented the idiotic phrase "legitimate rape," has just discovered what "legitimate death" looks like firsthand." Another wrote, "Former GQPer Todd Akin has died. He’s best known for his disgusting “legitimate rape” remark and being an all around piece of shit. Karma has deemed him legitimately dead at 74. Good riddance." One tweet read, "Todd Akin believed in the concept of “legitimate rape,” and that if someone was “really raped” then the body would shut down and prevent conception. Narrator: Todd Akin didn’t know what he was talking about." One person tweeted, "If you feel happy that “legitimate rape” man Todd Akin is dead…you’re normal. You don’t have to have sympathy for unrepentant monsters." Another person said, "RIP Todd Akin. The human body has ways to shut the whole thing down."