Rep. Steve King's remarks on rape, incest spark controversy, calls for resignation

According to the Des Moines Register, the Iowa Republican, an anti-abortion advocate who opposes incest and rape exceptions in laws restricting the procedures, was explaining his beliefs during a Westside Conservative Club event in Urbandale.

"We know the reasons why we don't accept exceptions, for the most of us, for rape and incest, because it's not the baby's fault," King said in remarks that were captured on video. "But there's another thing; I'm starting to wonder about this. What if it was OK, and what if we went back through all the family trees and just pulled those people out that were products of rape and incest? Would there be any population of the world left if we did that?"

He continued: "Considering all the wars and all the rape and pillage that’s taken place ... I know I can’t certify that I’m not a part of a product of that. And I'd like to think every one of the lives of us are as precious as any other life."

>> Watch a video of the remarks here

The three top-ranking House Republicans, including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Minority Whip Steve Scalise and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, condemned King's remarks, according to The New York Times.

"Today's comments by @RepSteveKingIA are appalling and bizarre," Cheney tweeted Wednesday. "As I've said before, it's time for him to go. The people of Iowa's 4th congressional district deserve better."

Several Democrats issued similar statements, with presidential candidates Sens. Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand calling for his resignation, NBC News reported.

King has not publicly commented on the controversy.

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