U.S. Rep. Steve King is defending his call for a ban on all abortions by questioning whether "there would be any population of the world left" if not for births due to rape and incest.

Advertisement Iowa's Steve King wonders if humans would still exist if not for rape and incest U.S. Rep. Steve King is defending his call for a ban on all abortions by questioning whether "there would be any population of the world left" if not for births due to rape and incest. Share Shares Copy Link Copy

U.S. Rep. Steve King is defending his call for a ban on all abortions by questioning whether "there would be any population of the world left" if not for births due to rape and incest.Speaking Wednesday before a conservative group in the Des Moines suburb of Urbandale, the Iowa congressman reviewed legislation he has sought that would outlaw abortions without exceptions for rape and incest.King said, "What if we went back through all the family trees and just pulled out anyone who was a product of rape or incest? Would there be any population of the world left if we did that? Considering all the wars and all the rapes and pillages that happened throughout all these different nations, I know that I can't say that I was not a part of a product of that." The Des Moines Register reports that the Republican added, "It's not the baby's fault for the sin of the father, or of the mother."A King spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.J.D. Scholten, candidate for Iowa’s 4th district, the seat currently held by Rep. Steve King, today released the following statement on King's comments.“Yet again, Steve King puts his selfish, hateful ideology above the needs of the people of Iowa’s 4th district. Excusing violence — in any way — is entirely unacceptable. Here in Iowa, we stand strong together in the face of violence, and strive to create a welcoming and safe community for all people. His comments are disrespectful to survivors and don’t reflect Iowan values. We stand for bringing all people together and fighting for the positive change that we desperately need here in Iowa.” Iowa State Senator Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, today, released the following statement on Steve King's comments."I am 100% pro-life but Congressman King's bizarre comments and behavior diminish our message and damage our cause. We can't afford to hand the 4th District to Nancy Pelosi and her allies in Congress. President Trump needs defenders in Congress, not distractions. In the State Senate, I've been an effective conservative who has fought for our values and delivered conservative results. I'll do the same in Congress."