Learn more about Todd Akin's policy positions in his words:
Akin claimed women can't become pregnant by "legitimate rape"
During an interview with KTVI's Charles Jaco in August 2012, Akin claimed that "legitimate rape" rarely causes pregnancy because women have a way to "shut that whole thing down." Asked by Jaco if abortion should be legal in cases of rape, Akin replied, "It seems to me, first of all, from what I understand from doctors that's really rare. If it's a legitimate rape the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down." Read more »
Akin compared federal student loan program to stage III cancer
During a debate hosted by the Missouri College Republicans in April 2012, Akin was asked whether or not he would support legislation that would prevent student loan interest rates from doubling for 7.4 million college students. Akin responded that the federal government should get out of the student loan business altogether, and compared the government's support for student loans to stage III cancer. "America has got the equivalent of the Stage III cancer of socialism because the federal government is tampering in all kinds of stuff it has no business tampering in," said Akin. "The government needs to get its nose out of the education business." Read more »
Akin would turn Medicare into a voucher program
During a debate hosted by the Missouri College Republicans in April 2012, Akin was asked whether or not he would support turning Medicare into a voucher program. "The idea is good," responded Akin. "We get rid of all of that government price structure and we allow a whole series of people to compete for the business, and there you get more of a free market system going. So this is a good idea. I voted for it. And either version of this, whether you want to do voucher or premium support. They're both good ideas, and I'd support either." Read more »
Akin would privatize Social Security
On CSPAN In March 2011, Akin said he doesn't like Social Security: "Now, Social Security through the years, for many, many people, has been a terrible investment. It's really a tax, that's all it is. Social Security is a tax. The government has taken the tax. There's been more money coming in than going out. And we spend it. That's not been responsible. I don't like it. I didn't design Social Security. It actually came from Bismarck, FDR put it in place." Read more »
Akin is opposed to the federal minimum wage
During a debate on KMOX, Akin said, "Yeah my belief on this is just another example of a wrong thing that the government does. I don't think the government should be setting the prices or wages on different things. I don't think that's the function of the government." Read more »
Akin wants to preserve taxpayer subsidies on big oil and gas companies
During a debate hosted by the Missouri College Republicans in April 2012, Akin said "I voted for the Ryan Budget and I think it's the right way to go" in response to a question about block granting Medicaid to the states. The Ryan Budget would preserve $40 billion in taxpayer subsidies for big oil and gas companies. Read more »