Keep up the good work, Senator Boxer. It's disgraceful that someone in the Congress, and on a science committee no less, can make the incredibly stupid remarks that Rep. Akins did last weekend. The American people, I hope, can see beyond such demagoguery and reject it.
Peter, Redwood City

I really believe that this guy has no heart at all. I am a rape victim by a family member and I was just lucky that I did not get pregnant. Please continue your battle against this kind of oppression.
Louise, Costa Mesa

These statements were offensive and clearly not just a "poor choice of words" that can be easily retracted. I believe this was a perfect example of the war conservative Republicans are waging against women and reproductive rights. I can't thank you enough for immediately responding with such a clear and rational response. Please continue to advocate for women, and for the need to have elected representatives who have a basic understanding of human biology and who will continue to advocate for continued access to basic healthcare services.
Jennifer, Scotts Valley

As a rape survivor of multiple rape by several young men, I find that comment not only medically uninformed, but think he must be a neanderthal from another planet. Rape is rape and a violation of a woman's body. How dare someone who can not be impregnated make such an audacious comment???? Throw the bum out as being too stupid even for Congress.
Linda, San Rafael

More than anything else his comment points to his total ignorance and it's frightening to think a person running for Congress could be so poorly educated - not to mention what this says about everyone who believes this rubbish. What's happened to education in this country, let alone what's happening to women's rights??
Joan , San Anselmo

While I respect your right to be offend by Rep Akin's comments, what disturbs me far more is how a man that is so ignorant could possibly be a member of the House of Representatives and is seeking the a place in the Senate. If there is a such a thing as a "Legitimate Rape" then what the heck would be an "Illegitimate Rape"? And what sort of Doctors is he talking to, who could possibly tell him these bizarre "facts" about a woman's body "biological defenses to prevent pregnancy"? If believes such fantasies, what else is he going to believe? And what's sorts of legislation is he going to back that's based on bogus information? You and all other Democrats should point out such an ignorant man really should not be in the halls of Congress.
Clem, Cupertino

I found Todd Akin's remarks so sickening that I just can't keep quiet. I have to tell someone my story. At the age of seventeen I was innocent, naive, and a virgin. A guy who I did not know was on drugs, and who I thought liked me offered to take me home from some friends house. He drove me out to some isolated area and violently raped me. At the time I actually thought he was going to kill me. Well he didn't kill me but from that one encounter I became pregnant. I guess I didn't have that miracle body that handles things on its own, so I tried the underground abortion route and that didn't go well for me either. So against my will I have a 46 year old son who I love very much but as long as I live I will never forget the horrible night that led to his conception.
Cecelia, La Puente

Mr. Akin: These absurd remarks are either made from ignorance or from ideology that is dangerous to all women...or perhaps a combination of both. I am quite sure you have read the letter to you from Eve Ensler writing from Bukavu, Congo. If not, I urge you to read it. Perhaps you will be enlightened...I can only pray so. What is "legitimate rape"? Indeed RAPE IS RAPE.
Dorothea, San Juan Capistrano

Thank you for your update on Todd Akin. My wife and I totally agree with you and I sincerely hope that he does not win the election in his home state. God Bless you and keep you safe.
Earnie, Morro Bay

I would like to say that "Hope" is not working...only anger and testifying to the barbarism of the Republican party will bring them down, so please move from hope to stronger affirmative action.
Elizabeth, Ojai

Dear Senator Boxer, thank you for speaking out on Mr Akin's... I'm wordless for a description of his beliefs! But something wonderful has occurred since his blunder on National TV, the spotlight has been turned toward a very real issue, the GOP's extreme attitude toward women's rights and the blending & acceptance of Religion & Politics. I remember when women didn't have a legal choice of birth control, couldn't have credit cards in their names, and couldn't buy homes by themselves. It scares me to hear this assault on women creeping into reality again..
Jeannette, Trabuco Canyon

I cannot believe any woman would vote for any Republicans running for any office this year. I feel like the women in Congress and the Senate should take a stand on these issues so it is heard round the world. I have a 21 year daughter and it's difficult to explain to her what is happening and why. Romney looks and acts like an overgrown Ken doll and Ryan is not far behind.
Cynthia, Concord

What an ad for BASIC biology and sex education!! I pleases me that EVERYONE finds these remarks offensive as well as loony!
Patsy, Point Reyes Station

Please do not tar all Republicans with the extremely offensive remarks of one "jerk;" who is running for the Senate. Both parties are jumping all over any one who makes that type of comment, and we, the public, are entitled to a more civil discourse from both parties.
Joe, Palm Desert

As a victim of violent rape which nearly killed me, I cannot believe that a presumably educated public official such as Todd Aiken (R-MO) would make such an assertion regarding rape. Just exactly what is his medical definition of "shutting the whole thing down"? First, I think persons wishing to run for office should take an aptitude test, psychological test, and other tests to determine their "fitness" for office. As a Medically Retired State of CA worker, I can assure you that this man would not make the cut for “Office Assistant”, which is just about the lowest job available. Second, if the person is not sufficiently qualified to run for office after testing assessment, he should keep his mouth shut. I have no money now, or I would give it all to remove the republicans from office. Thank you.
Kathleen, Oakland

First let me say "Thank You" for confronting GOP Rep. Todd Akins. I'd like to make a point clear, most men would never entertain such a hideous and vile attitude and would never dare to expatiate such idiotic, chauvinistic, inane and cruelly brutal opinions and thoughts. As a proud strong feminist Brother, let me again both condemn and apologize for GOP Rep. Todd Akins, as well as those of his cohort GOP VP candidate Paul Ryan who obviously shares this and similar views! I'd like to Thank you for allowing me to voice the predominate views held by almost every single thinking male alive.
Alberto, Port Hueneme

Once again, Republican men are are going back to the dark ages in their attitudes towards women and complete inability to acknowledge biology and women's physiology. The attack on women and women's rights by the Republican right continues.
Jack, Corona Del Mar

With all due respect. I would like to correct your understanding of Akin's statement. It is not outrageous; it is certainly not an attack on women, nor has it anything to do with Paul Ryan. However, it is a very stupid statement. Trying to find votes with inflammatory comments like yours will only lose votes for the Democrat party. Don't you think people see the futility? Stick with real issues, please.
Richard, Diamond Bar

I am shocked by his intentional stupidity. 1) "Legitimate Rape"?? what constitutes "illegitimate rape"?? 2) He argued that womens bodies fight off pregnancy in this fictional scenario. Can the AMA expose this for the 1930's misogyny that it is? 3) the residents of his state must be stuck in the 1800's if they believe this kind of idiotic thinking!
Jane, Los Angeles

As a devout Catholic I honor my faith but do not believe that I have any right to impose it on others. What difference is there between men such as Mr. Akin and terrorists that seek to forcefully impose their ideologies? Women have been the targets of abuse by some men for centuries. As a grandmother, I was hoping we would move past that to full partnership in the life experience.
Susan, Berkeley

Thank you for speaking out against vicious attacks by GOP leaders whose greed cloud their eyes to treating women with respect and compassion. Thank you for being a champion of women's right to have control over their own bodies.
Gail, Palo Alto

I find Congressman Todd Akin's ridiculous statements about rape extremely appalling. As a Physician Assistant, I can assure you they are inaccurate.
Lucy, South Gate

While I do NOT agree with the words of Todd Akin, I couldn't help but notice the ferocity with which you attack the pro-life platform of the GOP. I fully support personhood legislation and can't believe the blindness of people like yourself who deny the personhood of babies in utero for their own selfish agendas, despite advances in understanding of life science.
Hannah, Pleasant Hill

The answer to women's problems is the Equal Rights Amendment! If we had equal rights no one would suggest such nonsense.
Dawn, Santa Maria

I agree with you fully. The Republican Party has been trying to take women back 60 years. Thank you for standing up for equality for all.
Joan, Concord

What is "LEGITIMATE RAPE"? How can this EXTREMELY violent crime ever be considered "legitimate"? This is ridiculous and frightening as well. How can a woman's body shut down a pregnancy if she was legitimately raped? This is another attack on the War Against Women!! This is the most HORRIFYING thing I have ever heard in my entire lifetime!! This man needs to be impeached. He needs to be expelled from the Republican party. There is no excuse in what he said. A woman's body which is raped is NEVER LEGITIMATE! I am TERRIFIED by his statement. He is obviously too stupid to even be in office...and running for reelection?
Therese, Santa Clara

This reminds me of what that creepiest Clayton Williams said back in 1990 - regarding when a women is being raped - to lay back and enjoy it. Most men in government are generally truly ignorant and insensitive when it comes to issues that affect women. They understand very little about the average person’s life in general and what drives some men to do something as violent as rape. Wish they could take a smart test before being allowed in office.
Kimberly, Santa Cruz

I think we are living in scary times. I remember my father, a baby boomer, saying that he wanted me to have all the opportunities that men had. I think he meant healthcare as well. To think that someone in such a position would open their mouth and create the most disturbing oxy-moron I have ever heard should be removed from office. Women need to band together and stand behind President Obama on election day. We will show the world that we are strong and we will not stand for politicians who threaten to strip us of our rights to make decision about our body.
Jennifer, Woodland Hills

It seems to me that the advance that women have made is now forgotten. As an 83 year old feminist I am appalled at what little respect the men have for the female body. We are going back to the 1800's. To me it is sad that we have sunken this low. We do need to put an aspirin between our knees. How much control do they want over the female body? Ofcourse it is no longer a concern for myself but what about all the young people?
Ann, San Marcos
              
First of all I am so appalled at any man who wants to legislate for women what they can and cannot do about or with their bodies.....As I am a man, I would never have to make these choices, and if a woman is raped and wants to terminate the fetus...so be it..THIS IS BETWEEN HER AND HERSELF ALONE. What are the Republicans doing messing with this for..... i want to know what big ideas they have for putting all the unemployed people back to work..... and also women should be paid for the same work a man does...... thank you Senator Boxer for letting me rant a bit.......
Alexander, Palm Springs

Your message is well taken....we women are all disturbed with comments from the right wing. They are totally off base discussing any issues in regards to our bodies. Let alone commenting on rape. No one knows better about our own bodies than ourselves. And there is only ONE type of rape....and that is rape! I will encourage everyone I know to not vote for the Republican party members. We need to take back congress and the senate and get something accomplished.
Auralee, Santa Barbara

I'm personally insulted by your attempt to put Congressman Akin forth as a representative of all Republicans. Every Republican and Conservative voice has denounced these comments and to send this email now is truly rediculous. Sincerely,
Kimberly, Tarzana

Your continued support of equality for all people at the local, state and Federal level is very important to us all. Please continue to voice our displeasure at comments such as this that are made by elected officials and support legislation that protects the rights of all America and its people.
Franklin, San Francisco