Six Republicans who need science lessons

Image 2 of 6

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.)California state Sen. Doug La Malfa (R-Richvale)Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.)Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt RomneyIndiana state Treasurer Richard MourdockFormer Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain

<p>During a debate Monday against his Democratic opponent for California's 1st Congressional District seat, La Malfa said that women who have abortions increase their risk of cancer. After a TV station questioned his assertion, he issued a release the following day acknowledging that he was misinformed. This gaffe is more forgivable than Akin's because researchers in the past have suggested a link between breast cancer and abortion -- they just haven't proved it. Both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say there's no scientific evidence of a connection.</p>
<br>

<p>Above: La Malfa, left, says goodbye to fellow GOP Sen. Mark Wyland of Solana Beach after the Senate adjourned, ending the Legislative session on Sept. 1. </p>

California state Sen. Doug La Malfa (R-Richvale)

( Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press / September 12, 2012 )

During a debate Monday against his Democratic opponent for California's 1st Congressional District seat, La Malfa said that women who have abortions increase their risk of cancer. After a TV station questioned his assertion, he issued a release the following day acknowledging that he was misinformed. This gaffe is more forgivable than Akin's because researchers in the past have suggested a link between breast cancer and abortion -- they just haven't proved it. Both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say there's no scientific evidence of a connection.

Above: La Malfa, left, says goodbye to fellow GOP Sen. Mark Wyland of Solana Beach after the Senate adjourned, ending the Legislative session on Sept. 1.

Comments are filtered for language and registration is required. The Times makes no guarantee of comments' factual accuracy. Readers may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link next to a comment. Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.