Tell Congress: Repeal the Comstock Act Now!
The petition to Congress reads:
"We urge you to repeal the Comstock Act immediately. Anti-abortion extremists are using this antiquated law to prohibit the mailing of the abortion pill mifepristone or any drugs, instruments, or supplies for abortion care. The policy could also be enforced to stop medication from reaching people with HIV and AIDS, and even bar access to books that discuss women's history. As long as Congress keeps Comstock on the books, right-wing extremists will have a powerful tool to control our lives. Repeal Comstock now."
Why is this important?
The Comstock Act of 1873 bans using the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers from mailing materials deemed "obscene." Enforcement of the law depends on who's leading the Department of Justice, a weakness that right-wing extremists are exploiting now to set dangerous precedents.
An anti-abortion judge in Texas already invoked Comstock in a ruling that attempted to bar mail-order abortion medication. Comstock could also be used to ban abortion nationwide by blocking abortion clinics from getting medical supplies. The policy could even be enforced to stop medication from reaching people with HIV and AIDS and restrict access to books that discuss women's history. As long as Congress keeps Comstock on the books, right-wing extremists will have a powerful tool to control our lives.
Tell Congress: Repeal The Comstock Act before it's too late!