Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock is standing by comments he made about rape and pregnancy.

In a recent debate, he was asked if abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest.

"I believe that life begins at conception," he replied. "I think that even when in that horrible situation of rape that it is something that God intended to happen."

After the debate, Mourdock's Democratic opponent said he doesn't believe any God would intend that to happen.

And GOP nominee Mitt Romney and other top Republicans are distancing themselves from his stance.

At a press conference Wednesday Mourdock clarified that he doesn't believe God intends for rape to happen, but that only God can create life.

"If they came away with any impression other than that I truly regret it. I apologize if they came away. I've certainly been humbled by the fact that so many people think that somehow was an interpretation," Mourdock said.

He added that he won't apologize for his comment, saying "I spoke from my heart."

"I would be less than faithful if I said anything other than life is precious," he told reporters. "I believe it's a gift from God."

A spokesperson for the Romney campaign said that while the former governor disagrees with Mourdock's opposition to abortion in cases of rape and incest, he still supports Mourdock's Senate bid.