Todd Akin was an American politician and member of the Republican Party, known for serving as a U.S. Representative for Missouri's 2nd congressional district from 2001 to 2013. He gained national attention in 2012 due to a controversial statement on abortion, where he suggested that victims of "legitimate rape" rarely become pregnant, which sparked widespread criticism and overshadowed his legislative work. Born in 1947 in Cherryville, Missouri, Akin was also a trained scientist and medical doctor, with a background in chemical engineering. Before his political career, he worked as a professor and held various roles in the healthcare sector. His expertise in science sometimes influenced his policy positions, though his comments on social issues often led to controversy.
Todd Akin was known for his conservative views and strong stance on issues such as abortion and family values. His 2012 remark about rape and pregnancy was intended to support restrictions on abortion but instead resulted in significant backlash, leading to his withdrawal from the Senate race. Despite the controversy, he continued to serve in Congress until 2013 when he decided not to seek reelection. His death in 2021 marked the end of his political career and life.