After comparing reproductive health regulations to his experience milking cows as a farmer, a newly elected Idaho congressman apologized.
According to the Idaho Statesman, Republican Rep. Jack Nelsen was “embarrassed” when he said his expertise as a “lifelong dairy farmer” provided him with insight into reproductive difficulties.
“I’ve milked a few cows and spent most of my time walking behind lines of cows, so if you want some suggestions on repro and the women’s health issue, I have some clear comments,” Nelson said at a hearing of the state’s House Agricultural Affairs Committee, according to the Statesman.
Idaho’s Democratic Party responded quickly, tweeting a video of the event and saying that “politicians like Jack Nelsen have no business forcing our reproductive health care decisions.”
The US Supreme Court maintained Idaho’s near-total abortion prohibition earlier this month, with exceptions for rape, incest, and saving a pregnant patient’s life.
According to the Statesman, Nelsen stated he was “embarrassed” and “offended others” in a statement.
“I absolutely missed the target yesterday with my remarks on women and reproductive rights,” Nelson remarked, according to the Statesman. “I really apologize. I own my error and promise to do better in the future.”
The Statesman reports that Nelson stated throughout his campaign that the government should not be engaged in abortion care, a position he reiterated in his apologies.
“I completely support women and their freedom to select their own health care,” Nelson said in a statement, according to the Statesman. “I have always and will continue to work under the premise that the government has no place in a doctor’s office.”
On Saturday, a spokeswoman for Nelson did not immediately reply to Insider’s request for comment.