A Republican politician from Iowa has questioned whether humanity would still exist without rape or incest.
Speaking at a conservative club meeting in Urbandale, Iowa on Wednesday, Steve King said abortion laws shouldn't be weakened to allow terminations for pregnant women who have been raped or partaken in incest. He said that this was because those activities weren't the babies' fault.
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He then went onto question if humanity would still exist without rape and incest.
"What if we went back through all the family trees and just pulled those people out who were a product of rape or incest," King said.
"Would there be any population of the world left if we did that?"
He said people should consider "all the wars and all the rapes and pillages."
"I know I can't certify that I was not a part of a product of that."
The comments have been criticised by both Democrats and those in King's own party.
"Today's comments by @RepSteveKingIA are appalling and bizarre. As I've said before, it's time for him to go. The people of Iowa's 4th congressional district deserve better," said Republican Liz Cheney.
JD Scholten, who will try to take King's seat in next year's election, said he was pushing his own agenda.
"Our congressman continues to push his selfish agenda above the needs of #IA04 -- this time he excuses violence. This isn't what we stand for."
Democrats standing to be the party's presidential nominee also took a stand.
"Iowans have long deserved better than Steve King and his hateful, insulting words. He should resign," said Cory Booker.
Kirsten Gillibrand said: "You are a disgrace."
King is well known for his inflammatory comments, rhetorically telling the New York Times earlier this year: "White nationalist, white supremacist, western civilization – how did that language become offensive?"
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