The Comstock Act's Role in the Abortion Debate.

The Comstock Act of 1873, a federal law that prohibits the mailing of "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" materials, is being invoked by anti-abortion activists to block the mailing of abortion medication. The law had a huge impact in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but its relevance faded over time. However, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, opponents of abortion rights are using the Comstock Act as a legal basis to challenge the mailing of abortion pills, which could have sweeping implications for abortion access across the country. The case may eventually be decided by the Supreme Court.