In 2007, Mitt Romney happily embraced one of the proponents of fanciful reproductive biology and a "father" of the "legitimate rape," uh... theory.

Dr. John C. Willke Andrew Spear/The New York Times

Yesterday, Todd Akin talked about “legitimate rape,” and did some mansplainin’ on how women who are “legitimately raped” really wouldn’t need abortions in any case because their magical lady powers prevent them from getting pregnant in case of real assault. Anyone else is just lyin’ about how they got pregnant.

This lesson in faniciful reproductive biology finds it basis in a long line of witch doctors willing to make things up out of thin air in their quest to control women’s bodies. One such “doctor” is John Willke. It turns out that Mitt Romney is tied to Dr. Willke through a campaign umbilical cord.

Mitt Romney himself welcomed and touted the endorsement of Dr. John Willke in 2007.

According to a 2007 campaign press release:

Sex. Abortion. Parenthood. Power. The latest news, delivered straight to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE

Today, Dr. John Willke, a founder of the Pro Life Movement, endorsed Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign for our nation’s highest office. Dr. Willke is a leading voice within the pro-life community and will be an important surrogate for Governor Romney’s pro-life and pro-family agenda. “Unlike other candidates who only speak to the importance of confronting the major social issues of the day, Governor Romney has a record of action in defending life. Every decision he made as Governor was on the side of life. I know he will be the strong pro-life President we need in the White House,” said Dr. Willke. “Governor Romney is the only candidate who can lead our pro-life and pro-family conservative movement to victory in 2008.” Welcoming Dr. Willke’s announcement, Governor Romney said, “I am proud to have the support of a man who has meant so much to the pro-life movement in our country. He knows how important it is to have someone in Washington who will actively promote pro-life policies. Policies that include more than appointing judges who will follow the law but also opposing taxpayer funded abortion and partial birth abortion. I look forward to working with Dr. Willke and welcome him to Romney for President.”

So its also doubly odd that today, Mitt Romney released a statement saying:

“Gov. Romney and Congressman (Paul) Ryan disagree with Mr. Akin’s statement, and a Romney-Ryan administration would not oppose abortion in instances of rape,” Romney spokeswoman Amanda Henneberg said.

Cuz you see, not only was Romney lovin’ on Dr. Willke in 2007, both Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan support legislation that would ban abortions without exception, as well as many forms of contraception and other medical interventions.

Hmmm… is there some secret right-wing male secretion that foils clear thinking and honesty?