State of Indiana secondary Archives: on Abortion


Joe Donnelly: Abortions only in cases of rape, incest, and maternal life

Republican Richard Mourdock ignited a controversy over rape and abortion in Tuesday's final Senate debate that lit up the internet and prompted GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney to disavow his words. The storm erupted when the candidates were asked about abortion. Both Mourdock and Donnelly said they believe life begins at conception. Donnelly said he supported allowing abortions only in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

Mourdock, who appeared to choke back tears as he spoke, said the only exception he could support was if the mother's life was in danger. "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen," Mourdock said, his voice thick with emotion. His words drew immediate shocked reaction, [including] Romney's campaign: "Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock's comments, and they do not reflect his views."

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2012 Ind. Senate debate Oct 24, 2012

Richard Mourdock: No exception for rape; only for maternal life

Richard Mourdock ignited a controversy over rape and abortion in Tuesday's final Senate debate that lit up the internet and prompted GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney to disavow his words. The storm erupted when the candidates were asked about abortion. Both Mourdock and Donnelly said they believe life begins at conception. Donnelly said he supported allowing abortions only in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

Mourdock, who appeared to choke back tears as he spoke, said the only exception he could support was if the mother's life was in danger. "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen," Mourdock said. His words drew immediate shocked reaction, [including] Romney's campaign: "Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock's comments, and they do not reflect his views." Indiana Right to Life Political Action Committee's also stood by its endorsement of Mourdock.

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2012 Ind. Senate debate Oct 24, 2012

Richard Mourdock: No exception for rape, but God doesn't want people raped

Mourdock said during a debate, "Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen." Mourdock, who seemed taken aback by the reaction, tried to clarify his comments after the debate. It was, he said, "sick" and "bizarre" that anyone would think he was saying God had intended the rape. But, he said, God created the life, regardless of the circumstances of the conception. "What I said is God creates life. As a person of faith I believe that," he said. "Does God want people raped? Of course not." Anyone who suggests he said anything else is "twisted," he said.

Donnelly commented after the debate, "I don't know any God who would ever intend something like that," he said of rape. "It is an unspeakable crime."

But Mourdock's position is reflected in the Republican Party's national platform adopted at their convention this year. In fact, it opposed abortion and made no mention of any exceptions of any kind

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2012 Ind. Senate debate Oct 24, 2012

  • The above quotations are from State of Indiana Politicians: secondary Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2026 Senate and Gubernatorial contenders on Abortion:
  2026 Senatorial debates:
  -   AK - AL - AR - CO - DE - FL - GA - IA - ID - IL -
  -   KS - KY - LA - MA - ME - MI - MN - MS - MT - NC - NH - NJ - NM -
  -   OH - OK - OR - RI - SC - SD - TN - VA - WV - WY -



2026 Gubernatorial debates:
  -   AK - AL - AR - AZ - CA - CO - CT - FL - GA - HI - IA - ID - IL -
  -   KS - MA - MD - ME - MI - MN - NE - NH - NJ - NM - NV - NY -
  -   OH - OK - OR - PA - RI - SC - SD - TN - TX - VA - VT - WI - WY -

Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026