Mourdock speaks on rape, pregnancy comments during press conference

INDIANAPOLIS (WLFI) - Indiana Senate republican nominee Richard Mourdock took the podium to explain a controversial comment he made this week.    

Mourdock said in an interview Tuesday night that pregnancy resulting from rape was a “gift from God,” because all    life is a gift.

Ever since the comments became public Tuesday night, Republicans from around the country – including Mitt Romney – have been distancing themselves from the statement.

You can read the original Associated Press story to fill in on previous details.

In Wednesday's press conference, Mourdock even teared up a couple of times explaining his belief system.

At 11:30 Wednesday, below in blue is what Mourdock had to say (some are answers to questions from reporters):

"You know in the debate last evening, I made a comment that I made honestly from the deepest roots and greatest base of my faith.

"I believe life is precious. I believe (that) to the marrow of my bones. I believe life itself is the greatest gift God can give.

"I know because polling shows it. At least 80 percent of Americans and maybe even more Hoosiers think God is author of all life.

"Secondly, I absolutely abhor violence, any kind of sexual violence. (I am) absolutely confident that the god I worship abhors all that.

"The god I worship would never ever want to see evil done. That’s an element of my faith. God doesn’t want evil, but sadly, it happens.

"As this has unfolded I’ve come to understand humility is an important part of faith. I’m a humble person this morning.

"(Some people) mistook, twisted and misunderstood the points I was trying to make.
I spoke from my heart, I spoke from my principles, I spoke on my faith.

"(My opposition is thinking), ‘Let’s make up issues when we can’t find real ones. Let’s twist, let’s distort, let’s deceive.’

"Facts are facts. As I said, the comments were made, the comments have been misunderstood. I believe everyone has the right to their own beliefs in this area. I respect people with differences of opinion.

"Anyone who views that statement understands fully what I meant. If you watch that video, the comments will be clear.

"I will say unequivocally, God doesn’t want rape. I want to assure every woman that I abhor rate.

"But to twist and suggest God approves of rape, it’s not what I intended. If anyone came away with that, I apologize (if) that’s what they thought.

"Donnelly (says) his faith doesn’t condone rape, but neither does mine.

" I think life is precious. God can see beauty in every life. But I didn’t intend that God wants rape, that he pushes people to rape.

" I believe God controls the universe. I don’t think biology works simply in an uncontrolled fashion.

" For some years now, the exception I see (for abortions) is the life of the mother.

" If I left any doubt (about Tuesday’s statements), that I regret and that I apologize for.

" I’ve already seen Mr. Donnelly twist this.

" I hope you all understand I stand here to say I think life is precious, I think any kind of sexual violence is evil.

" I think we’re going to win this race. I think this issue serves to energize those who support me.

" Sometimes controversy is a good thing in politics."

(Reporter asks, “If God controls the universe, but he doesn’t want rape, then why are women raped?”)

"I’ve come to my faith over 61 years, and I can’t explain the nuances of God. I’ll leave that one to Him.

"We all act on the tenets of our faith. Even if you’re a total agnostic, you believe in believing nothing.

"The apology is if anyone misinterpreted what I said.

'For speaking from my heart, I cannot apologize. I would be less than faithful to my faith if I say anything other than, ‘Life is precious, it’s a gift from God.’

"It’s been a very humbling experience."