Del. Marshall says abortion remark misconstrued, apologizes

"No one who knows me or my record would imagine that I believe or intended to communicate such an offensive notion. I have devoted a generation of work to defending disabled and unwanted children, and have always maintained that they are special blessings to their parents. Nevertheless, I regret any misimpression my poorly chosen words may have created as to my deep commitment to fighting for these vulnerable children and their families."

Marshall said in an interview that his belief in the sanctity of all life was demonstrated by his commitment to seeking state-mandated insurance coverage for specialized therapy needed by autistic children, a stance so at odds with his own party's that he said he was threatened with expulsion from the Republican caucus last year.

Nancy Mercer, executive director of ARC of Northern Virginia, an advocacy and assistance group for the disabled, said that Marshall has been supportive of the needs of people with disabilities but that his remarks on Thursday were insensitive, particularly when budget cuts threaten services for them.

"Families are reeling, and then to have this come on top of it added insult to injury," she said.

Even some allies in the cause distanced themselves from Marshall's remarks.

"I think there are studies medically demonstrating that there are future health risks to abortion," said Chris Freund, a spokesman for the conservative Family Foundation of Virginia. "To say that's evidence of God's judgment goes too far."

Jennifer McMillen, whose 8-year-old son has autism and cerebral palsy, said she was outraged.

"Quite honestly, I don't care what he intended to say," said McMillen, 37. "His comments were inappropriate and unacceptable, and something needs to be done."