Rep. Balint Introduces Stop Comstock Act to Prevent National Ban on Mailing Abortion Pills
The bill removes broad language about 'indecent' and 'immoral' materials from federal mail and import laws. Historically, these provisions were used to target LGBTQ communities by banning the mailing of materials deemed 'immoral.' While such enforcement has largely stopped, eliminating the statutory language provides permanent protection against any future misuse of these provisions.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
The Stop Comstock Act would repeal parts of the law that could be used by an anti-abortion administration to ban the mailing of mifepristone and other drugs used in medication abortions. While the bill is a good move, the author argues it should repeal the entire act, not just abortion language.
Senator Tina Smith and other Democrats are introducing the Stop Comstock Act to repeal the 19th-century law's abortion-related provisions. The move aims to prevent a future administration from using the law to bypass Congress and implement a nationwide ban on mailing abortion pills.
A coalition of advocacy organizations sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urging him to hold a vote on the Stop Comstock Act. The groups argue that the 1873 law poses an immediate threat to reproductive healthcare access if weaponized by a future administration.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Stop Comstock Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.