How a 19th-century law could upend abortion access in America
The Comstock Act banned the posting of abortion supplies—and was never fully repealed
WHEN THE Supreme Court ruled last year that America’s constitution does not guarantee the right to abortion, it returned the matter to lawmakers. In the months since activists have pushed for a national prohibition. This Congress, which is divided on the issue, will not soon pass a law limiting access to abortion across the country. So pro-life campaigners have turned to one that is already on the books: the Comstock Act, a 150-year-old anti-vice law. This historical oddity, never fully repealed, could severely curtail access to abortion. What is the Comstock Act—and how might it be resurrected?
From the April 29th 2023 edition
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