Republican Senate hopeful Richard Mourdock in rape row

[Gerald]

Republican US Senate hopeful Richard Mourdock has expressed regret a day after suggesting pregnancies caused by rape were God's plan.

The Indiana candidate made the remarks while debating his Democratic opponent.

He told reporters on Wednesday he "abhors" rape and that if anyone "came away with any impression other than that, I regret it".

Mitt Romney's presidential campaign said he still backed Mr Mourdock, although he disagreed with his views.

Mr Mourdock's comments come two months after another Republican candidate caused a furious backlash when he said women's bodies had ways of preventing pregnancy after rape.

Mr Romney and President Barack Obama are campaigning hard for the 6 November US presidential election, in which women's votes could prove crucial.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20054737


Note: 24 October 2012 Last updated at 18:41 GMT