CINCINNATI (AP) - The doctor who helped shape the modern anti-abortion movement and argued that a woman's body can resist conception in a sexual assault, has died at 89.
Dr. John Willke (WIHL'-kee) died Friday at his home in Cincinnati.
Daughter Marie Meyers says Willke died suddenly. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.
Willke founded the International Right to Life Federation. He and his late wife, Barbara, co-authored their "Handbook on Abortion," which influenced generations of anti-abortion activists.
Other physicians have discredited Willke's view on rape and pregnancy. Missouri Congressman Todd Aiken lost his 2012 Senate race after making comments reflecting Willke's viewpoint.
The former National Right to Life Committee president co-wrote several anti-abortion books including the 1971 handbook that has been translated in many languages and reprinted numerous times.