The US Presidential election battle could be significantly affected by the pro-life debate.

It comes after a senior Republican spoke of “legitimate rape” in an interview about abortion.

Mitt Romney has tried to distance himself from the comments of his party member.

Speaking on St. Louis television station KTVI Congressman Todd Akin was asked whether or not he would support abortion in the case of rape victims.

He has since apologised saying rape is “never legitimate”.

But he has rejected calls from across the political spectrum to step down.