Schakowsky: Walsh 'embarrassment' to country after abortion flap

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) this afternoon called Congressman Joe Walsh an “embarrassment” to the United States less than a day after the conservative firebrand suggested that abortion is never needed to save a woman’s life.

In an interview with The Daily, Schakowsky linked Walsh (R-Ill.) to Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), who was widely criticized this summer for claiming women’s bodies have a biological defense that can prevent “legitimate rape.”

After his final debate with Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth on Thursday night, Walsh told reporters “you can’t find one instance” where abortion has been necessary to keep a woman alive, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“It’s just ridiculous and it’s condescending,” Schakowsky said. “Again, somebody who’s an embarrassment to the United States and even to the Republican Party.”

Schakowsky said Walsh’s controversial remarks are emblematic of a GOP that contests women’s health issues “we thought were decided.”

“Everything’s reversed,” Schakowsky said. “You can say anything and you can support anything.”

— Patrick Svitek