A reader writes:

I disagree with the proposition put forth by your readers that statutory rape amounts to consensual relations, at least as consent is understood under the law.  Statutory rape laws remove consent.  The rationale, whether true in practice or not, is that the nature of a relationship between an adult and a minor of a determined age is such that the minor is so easily coerced or susceptible to pressure from the adult that he or she can not truly consent.  And if that is the case, then a resultant pregnancy can be as unwanted and psychologically damaging to the mother as a "legitimate rape". 

Perhaps Akin and his fellow travelers should be fighting the minimum age of statutory rape laws, but then they’d be in agreement with godless European socialists.

Another writes:

An 18 year old going to jail for 10 years because he slept with his 15 year old girlfriend does seem absurd.  But few would argue that a 40 year old doesn't deserve punishment for sleeping with a 12 year old girl, even if she gives her "consent."