Missouri Representative Todd Akin is fresh off his victory in the Republican prmary and ready to take on Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill in the general election.

He’s less ready to admit he knows nothing about contraception.

Speaking on a local radio show, Akin tells the host that he believes the morning after pill should be made illegal, because it causes an abortion. Confusing emergency contraception with RU-486, he claims it causes abortions, and abortions are always wrong. Except maybe, he allows, in cases where there is a tubal pregnancy, since in that case the woman’s life is in danger.

“Representative Todd Akin’s false statement illustrates exactly why politicians should not be meddling in women’s personal medical decisions,” said Planned Parenthood Missouri Advocates via email statement.

The fact is that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. Abortion ends a pregnancy. Missouri women and families rely on all forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy and stay healthy.

Planned Parenthood affiliates in Missouri provide over 20,000 emergency contraception kits each year. Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken and it is important that women are clear about where to get emergency contraception and how it works.  Confusing emergency contraception and abortion is dangerous for women’s health.