Rep. Todd Akin is making headlines again, this time for statements made to a St. Louis television station on abortion and rape.

"From what I understand from doctors, (pregnancy from rape) is really rare,” Akin told the station. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”

The congressman was explaining why he opposes abortion even in the case of rape or incest.

Later Sunday, Akin issued a statement saying he had "misspoke.

"In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it's clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year.

"Those who perpetrate these crimes are the lowest of the low in our society and their victims will have no stronger advocate in the Senate to help ensure they have the justice they deserve."

In a statement this afternoon, Democrat Claire McCaskill -- Akin's opponent -- responded. She's a former Jackson County prosecutor:

"It is beyond comprehension that someone can be so ignorant about the emotional and physical trauma brought on by rape," said McCaskill. "The ideas that Todd Akin has expressed about the serious crime of rape and the impact on its victims are offensive."

Last Thursday Akin said he didn't think the federal government should fund school lunches.

In his statement, Akin also said, "As a member of Congress, I believe that working to protect the most vulnerable in our society is one of my most important responsibilities, and that includes protecting both the unborn and victims of sexual assault."

"I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue.

"But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action. I also recognize that there are those who, like my opponent, support abortion and I understand I may not have their support in this election."